Question

Other important selective absorbers: Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄) and Ozone (O₃) are most abundant in the stratosphere. As these gases absorb infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface, they gain _________ _______ₐs the kinetic energy of gas molecules increases. These collisions increase the average ______ _____ₒf the air, resulting in an increase average _____ ____________.

Thus, most of the infrared energy emitted from Earth's surface keeps the lower atmosphere warm, increasing its ___________ _____.
a) Kinetic energy; Molecular speed; Atmospheric pressure; Temperature
b) Thermal energy; Atmospheric density; Ozone concentration; Humidity
c) Potential energy; Particle velocity; Greenhouse gas concentration; Albedo
d) Radiant energy; Wind speed; CO₂ levels; Ozone layer

Answer 1

Nitrous Oxide, methane, and Ozone are important selective absorbers in the stratosphere that absorb infrared radiation from the Earth's surface and increase in kinetic energy and molecular speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gases described - Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄), and Ozone (O₃) - are important selective absorbers in the stratosphere. When these gases absorb infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface, they gain kinetic energy as the kinetic energy of the gas molecules increases.

These collisions increase the average molecular speed of the air, resulting in an increase in average temperature. Thus, most of the infrared energy emitted from Earth's surface keeps the lower atmosphere warm, increasing its atmospheric pressure.