Question

Of the greenhouse gases listed below, which one is entirely anthropogenic in origin?

a) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
b) Methane (CH4)
c) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
d) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

Answer 1

Option d)Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is the greenhouse gas that is entirely anthropogenic, used in industrial applications and not found naturally.

Step-by-step explanation:

Identification of an Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas:

Of the greenhouse gases listed carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), the one that is entirely anthropogenic in origin is sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). While CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O are all produced both naturally and through human activities, SF₆ is a synthetic compound not found naturally in the environment. It is used for a variety of industrial applications, including electrical insulation and as a gaseous dielectric medium. SF₆'s potential for global warming is significant, and it has a much longer atmospheric lifetime than other greenhouse gases, making its influence on climate change particularly concerning.

Therefore, the correct answer is d) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).