Question

Which of the following pairs of gases is mainly responsible for greenhouse effect?

• A. Carbon dioxide and methane
• B. Ozone and ammonia
• C. Oxygen and nitrogen
• D. Nitrogen and sulphur dioxide

Answer 1

The correct option is A Carbon dioxide and methane

Greenhouse gases absorb long wave infrared radiations and then emit these radiations in all directions and this causes Earth to be warmer than it otherwise would be. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect which is a natural phenomenon and keeps Earth's average global temperature at approximately 15°C.

$C{O}_2$, $C{H}_4$, $N_{2}O$ and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide (60%) contributes maximum to the greenhouse effect on Earth. Methane (20%), nitrous oxide (6%), chlorofluorocarbons (14%) are also potent greenhouse gases.