Question

how is the atmosphere involved in the greenhouse effect?
a. it transforms light energy from the sun into thermal energy that warms the surface of earth.
b. gases in the atmosphere trap and retain heat reflected from the surface of earth.
c. gases magnify the heat of the sun as it passes down through earths atmosphere.
d. heat from the surface of earth is absorbed by gases and radiated into space.

Explanation:

The greenhouse effect involves gases in the atmosphere trapping and retaining heat reflected from the Earth's surface. Option A is about energy transformation (not the core of the greenhouse effect). Option C is incorrect as greenhouse gases don't magnify the Sun's heat. Option D is wrong as greenhouse gases absorb and re - radiate heat (not just radiate into space).

Answer:

B. Gases in the atmosphere trap and retain heat reflected from the surface of Earth.