Question

question 5.b
which statement best explains why these changes would prevent life on earth?
a. without greenhouse gases to trap heat or a layer to block radiation, earth would experience extreme temperature changes and high levels of solar radiation.
b. without the atmosphere to reflect sunlight, all solar energy would be absorbed by the surface, causing it to become completely molten.
c. without the atmosphere to moderate temperatures, earth would maintain mild and stable conditions throughout each day and night.
d. without greenhouse gases and oxygen, earth would cool only slightly, but living things could continue to adapt and survive.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option B: The atmosphere doesn't primarily reflect sunlight to prevent surface melting; this is inaccurate.
• Option C: Without atmospheric moderation, temperatures wouldn't be mild/stable (they'd be extreme), so this is wrong.
• Option D: Without greenhouse gases and oxygen, conditions would be uninhabitable, not slightly cool with survival, so this is incorrect.
• Option A: Greenhouse gases trap heat (preventing extreme cold) and the ozone layer (part of the atmosphere) blocks harmful radiation. Without these, extreme temp changes and high solar radiation (harmful) occur, preventing life.

Answer:

A. Without greenhouse gases to trap heat or a layer to block radiation, Earth would experience extreme temperature changes and high levels of solar radiation.