Question

surface. the yellow arrows show solar radiation and the red arrows show infrared radiation.
the diagram also shows the chemical formulas for some important atmospheric gases:
nitrogen (n₂), oxygen (o₂), carbon dioxide (co₂), methane (ch₄), and water vapor (h₂o). the
greenhouse gases are shown in red. though the greenhouse gases are all shown near each
other in this diagram, in reality they are spread throughout earths atmosphere.
use the diagram to decide whether each gas can absorb infrared (ir) radiation.
absorbs ir radiation does not absorb ir radiation
carbon dioxide
nitrogen
water vapor
methane
submit

Explanation:

• Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)): Greenhouse gas, shown with red arrows (infrared) interacting. So it absorbs IR.
• Nitrogen (\(N_2\)): Not a greenhouse gas (not in red - arrow interaction for IR in diagram), so does not absorb IR.
• Water vapor (\(H_2O\)): Greenhouse gas, shown with red arrows (infrared) interacting. So it absorbs IR.
• Methane (\(CH_4\)): Greenhouse gas, shown with red arrows (infrared) interacting. So it absorbs IR.

Answer:

• Carbon dioxide: Absorbs IR radiation
• Nitrogen: Does not absorb IR radiation
• Water vapor: Absorbs IR radiation
• Methane: Absorbs IR radiation