Question

Describe the greenhouse effect, specifically how our atmosphere captures energy from the sun to warm the Earth. Include at least three steps in the process of sunlight being converted to heat in our atmosphere. You may wish to draw a diagram.

a) Absorption, Conduction, and Reflection
b) Reflection, Convection, and Absorption
c) Absorption, Radiation, and Convection
d) Radiation, Conduction, and Reflection

Answer 1

The greenhouse effect involves absorption of sunlight by the Earth, re-emission of that energy as infrared radiation, and trapping of this heat by greenhouse gases through radiation and convection, maintaining Earth's warm temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Greenhouse Effect Explained

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth, the following steps occur:

1. Absorption: The Earth absorbs the visible sunlight and near-infrared radiation. Some of this energy is reflected back into space, but most of it warms the planet's surface.
2. Radiation: The warmed surface releases energy as infrared radiation, which is a type of heat energy.
3. Convection: This radiated infrared energy warms the atmosphere, where it becomes trapped by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases absorb and then re-radiate the heat, sending some of it back towards the Earth's surface, which adds warmth to the planet.

The amount of energy that is kept in the Earth's system without escaping into space is what keeps the Earth's temperature at a level that can support life.

Therefore, for the process where sunlight is converted to heat in our atmosphere, the correct answer is (c) Absorption, Radiation, and Convection.