Final answer:
When heat energy is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, it leads to global warming by trapping heat and raising the Earth's surface temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
When heat energy enters the atmosphere, it is absorbed by water vapor and carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. This process warms the planet because the greenhouse gases trap the heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. Therefore, the presence of these gases ensures that the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere achieve higher temperatures.
The more carbon dioxide there is, the higher the temperature will be to reach a new balance of energy radiated back to space. Thus, when heat energy is absorbed by water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it leads to an increase in the planet's temperature.