Question

Which of the following are false about the greenhouse effect? group of answer choices

O the sun's energy is short wave radiation that is not absorbed by gases in the atmosphere, but absorbed or reflected by the earth
O we need greenhouse gases in the atmosphere or the earth would be cold like the moon reflected energy from the sun is trapped by
O greenhouse gasses and heats the atmosphere both CO₂ and methane are types of greenhouse gases.
O energy radiated by the earth is long wave radiation, which can be trapped by greenhouse gases, warming the atmosphere

Answer 1

The false statement about the greenhouse effect is that reflected sun's energy is trapped by greenhouse gases. The sun's energy is absorbed by the Earth and re-emitted as infrared radiation, which is trapped by greenhouse gases and warms the atmosphere. This is essential for maintaining temperatures suitable for life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is false about the greenhouse effect is the notion that 'reflected energy from the sun is trapped by greenhouse gases and heats the atmosphere.' This is incorrect because the sun's energy is not reflected and then trapped; rather, the energy is absorbed by the Earth and re-emitted as longer wavelength infrared radiation which can then be trapped by greenhouse gases, contributing to warming the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which the Earth's atmosphere traps infrared radiation, keeping the planet warmer than it would be without these gases.

The sun's energy is primarily in the form of short-wave radiation, including visible light, which passes through the Earth's atmosphere and is either absorbed or reflected by the planet's surface. The Earth then radiates energy back into the atmosphere as long-wave infrared radiation, which greenhouse gases can trap, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

It is also true that we need greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone in the atmosphere; otherwise, Earth would be as cold as the moon. Both carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane are types of greenhouse gases and contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect, maintaining Earth's climate suitable for life.