CO2 is called a greenhouse gas because
Transparent to sunlight but traps heat
The correct option is D.
The explanation for the correct option:
There are few gases in the atmosphere that absorbs heat and re-radiate radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, and a part of this radiant energy back downward. This trapped heat keeps the heat-trapping effectively around the Earth and thus keeps the surface warm. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas it is transparent to sunlight and traps the heat produced and makes the surface of the earth warm causing the greenhouse effect. Thus, the average temperature of Earth is increasing.
Other greenhouse gases are CH4, N2O, water vapor, and O3.
The explanation for incorrect options:
Option A:
CO2 is transparent to sunlight but traps heat on the Earth’s surface.
Option B:
In the greenhouse, CO2 is used for the growth of plants to meet their photosynthetic potential. From this CO2 enrichment process, the term ‘greenhouse’ was started to describe the greenhouse effect.
Option C:
CO2 is transparent to sunlight but traps heat on the Earth’s surface.
Final answer: So, CO2 is called a greenhouse gas because it is transparent to sunlight but traps heat.