Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes a greenhouse gas? (Select all that apply)"

a. They trap heat in the atmosphere.
b. They include only human-made pollutants.
c. They contribute to the greenhouse effect.
d. They absorb ultraviolet radiation.

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect. They are known for their ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation, which leads to warming. Human activities have increased their levels since the Industrial Revolution. a. They trap heat in the atmosphere. c. They contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statements that describe a greenhouse gas are:

• They trap heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping back into space, which leads to warming of the Earth's surface and the lower atmosphere.
• They contribute to the greenhouse effect, which is the process of warming the Earth due to the presence of greenhouse gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation.

The statement that greenhouse gases include only human-made pollutants is incorrect, as many greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, are also naturally occurring. Additionally, greenhouse gases do not absorb ultraviolet radiation; instead, they are most effective at absorbing infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface.

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity, such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has significantly increased the levels of these gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.