Question

current attempt in progress
select three gases considered to be greenhouse gases. explain why they are given this name.
oxygen
carbon dioxide
hydrogen
methane
nitrogen
water
they act to the surface of the earth in the same manner that a greenhouse is warmed.

Explanation:

• Carbon dioxide: A major greenhouse gas. It absorbs and emits infrared radiation. Human activities like burning fossil fuels increase its atmospheric concentration.
• Methane: Produced by sources such as wetlands, livestock, and landfills. It has a high global warming potential, meaning it is very effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere compared to some other gases.
• Water vapor: The most abundant greenhouse gas. It is part of the natural water cycle. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, and as the Earth warms (due to other greenhouse gases), the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere can increase, further enhancing the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse gases are named so because they act to warm the surface of the Earth in the same manner that a greenhouse is warmed. In a greenhouse, the glass allows sunlight (short - wavelength radiation) to enter. The plants and objects inside the greenhouse absorb this radiation and re - emit it as longer - wavelength (infrared) radiation. The glass traps this infrared radiation, keeping the greenhouse warm. Similarly, greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere allow sunlight to pass through. The Earth's surface absorbs sunlight and re - emits infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases absorb and re - emit this infrared radiation, effectively trapping heat near the Earth's surface.

Answer:

• Carbon dioxide: A major greenhouse gas from human activities (e.g., fossil fuel burning), absorbs/emits infrared.
• Methane: From sources like wetlands/livestock, high global warming potential.
• Water vapor: Abundant, part of water cycle, more in warmer air (enhances greenhouse effect). They warm the Earth like a greenhouse traps heat.