Final answer:
Greenhouse gases are substances like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor that selectively absorb and emit radiation, trapping thermal energy in the atmosphere and contributing to an increase in temperature. They are similar to a greenhouse in the way they trap solar radiation. The correct answer to the student's question is greenhouse gases (c).
Step-by-step explanation:
Objects that selectively absorb and emit radiation like the gases in our atmosphere are known as greenhouse gases. These gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, absorb thermal energy that is radiated by Earth and trap this energy within the atmosphere, leading to an increase in temperature. This process is analogous to the way a greenhouse works, trapping solar radiation to keep the interior warm, which is essential for plant growth within the greenhouse. Unlike a perfect blackbody, which absorbs all electromagnetic radiation incident on it, greenhouse gases selectively absorb certain wavelengths of thermal infrared radiation.
When considering the effectiveness of radiation absorption and emission, it has been observed that the color of an object plays a significant role. Black objects are the most effective at absorbing and radiating thermal energy, while white objects are the least effective due to their high reflectivity. For practical examples, black clothing is avoided in hot climates because it absorbs more heat, and black asphalt becomes hotter than a green or gray surface on a sunny day but cooler at night for the same reason.
Regarding the given choices, the correct term for the student's question is c) Greenhouse gases.