Understanding Greenhouse Gases
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space, and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and keeping the Earth warm enough to support life.
Identifying Key Greenhouse Gases
Certain gases in the atmosphere are particularly effective at trapping heat. These are known as greenhouse gases. Based on scientific understanding:
- Water vapour ($\text{H}_2\text{O}$): The most abundant greenhouse gas, naturally occurring.
- Carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$): A major greenhouse gas, released through burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and natural processes.
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Synthetic chemicals used in aerosols and refrigerants; potent greenhouse gases.
Evaluating Option Components
Let's examine the gases mentioned in the options:
- Water vapour: A significant greenhouse gas.
- $\text{CO}_2$: A primary greenhouse gas.
- CFCs: Potent synthetic greenhouse gases.
- $\text{NO}_2$ (Nitrogen dioxide): Primarily an air pollutant, not considered a major greenhouse gas like Nitrous Oxide ($\text{N}_2\text{O}$).
- $\text{SO}_2$ (Sulfur dioxide): Can contribute to cooling by forming aerosols that reflect sunlight, and is associated with acid rain, not warming.
- $\text{O}_2$ (Oxygen): A major component of the atmosphere, but it does not effectively absorb or emit thermal radiation, hence not a greenhouse gas.
Conclusion on Greenhouse Gases
The combination that accurately lists major contributors to the greenhouse effect among the choices is Water vapour, $\text{CO}_2$, and CFCs. These gases are well-established greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Step-by-Step Analysis
- Analyze Option 1: Includes $\text{NO}_2$ (air pollutant) and $\text{SO}_2$ (cooling effect/acid rain precursor), incorrect.
- Analyze Option 2: Includes Water vapour, $\text{CO}_2$, and CFCs. All are recognized greenhouse gases. This aligns with scientific consensus.
- Analyze Option 3: Includes $\text{NO}_2$ and $\text{O}_2$ (not a greenhouse gas), incorrect.
- Analyze Option 4: Includes $\text{O}_2$ (not a greenhouse gas), incorrect.
Therefore, the correct option correctly identifies the key greenhouse gases responsible for the greenhouse effect.
Similar Questions
- Which of the following in polluted air causes Hay fever?
- Since 2011 the supreme court banned the manufacture, sale and use of which pesticide that causes hazardous effects to human life as well as the environment?
- Which of the following gas is not related to acid rain?
- Which of the following mainly causes the depletion of the ozone layer?
- Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
- Which of the following is the most polluted city of the world as per the Guinness World Records 2020 analysis of a World Health Organization report?
- Ozone layer is responsible for preventing harmful UV rays to enter the earth's atmosphere. Which of the hydrocarbons is/are not responsible for depletion of the ozone layer?
- Read the given statements, labelled Assertion (A) and Reason (R), and select the most appropriate option with respect to them.
Statements:
'A': Carbon dioxide is not always a pollutant.
'R': Plants require carbon monoxide for growth that they get from carbon dioxide. - Acid rain is mainly caused due to the presence of which two gases in the atmosphere?
- Which of the following production activities is the largest emitter of $CO_{2}$?
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
Which of the following is NOT responsible for the degradation of our environment?
With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:
1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?
1. Brakes of motor vehicles
2. Engines of motor vehicles
3. Microwave ‘Stoves within homes
4. Power plants
5. Telephone lines
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
