Question

Greenhouse gases:

A: do not contribute to global warming.
B: capture ultraviolet light in the atmosphere and reflects it back to Earth.
C: include oxygen, CO₂, and methane.
D: are generated by burning fossil fuels.
E: include NOX emissions from photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. They allow shortwave radiation from the sun to enter the Earth's surface but do not allow the long-wave radiation of heat to escape into space.

Step-by-step explanation:

Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range, causing the greenhouse effect. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), trap heat in the atmosphere, similar to how glass panes in a greenhouse keep heat from escaping. They allow shortwave radiation from the sun to enter the Earth's surface, but do not allow the long-wave radiation of heat to escape into space. The increase of greenhouse gases due to human activity, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, has contributed to global warming and climate change.