Question

Greenhouse gases are

• A. Absorbers of longwave infrared radiations from earth
• B. Transparent to both solar radiations and longwave radiations from Earth
• C. Absorbers of solar radiations for warming the atmosphere of Earth
• D. Transparent to emissions from Earth for passage into outer space

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Absorbers of longwave infrared radiations from earth

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (such as water vapour and carbon dioxide) absorb most of the Earth's emitted longwave infrared radiation, which heats the lower atmosphere. The sun emits shortwave radiation because it is extremely hot and has a lot of energy to give off. The clouds and the surface absorb this solar energy. The ground heats up and re-emits energy as longwave radiation in the form of infrared rays. Earth emits longwave radiation because it is cooler than the sun and has lesser energy available to give off.