Question

On the photon absorption tab, what happens to the percentage of photons that are reflected back toward the source as the concentration of greenhouse gas molecules in the atmosphere increases?

1) The percentage of reflected photons decreases
2) The percentage of reflected photons increases
3) The percentage of reflected photons remains the same
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The percentage of reflected photons decreases as greenhouse gas concentration increases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percentage of photons that are reflected back toward the source decreases as the concentration of greenhouse gas molecules in the atmosphere increases (option 1). Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, absorb and trap infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space. As the concentration of greenhouse gases increases, more radiation is absorbed and less is reflected back, leading to a decrease in the percentage of reflected photons.