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
- 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 $CO_{2}$?
- Which of the following gases is emitted by swamps and paddy fields?
- Which of the following DOES NOT produce Greenhouse gases?
- Which of the following in polluted air causes Hay fever?
- Which of the following gas is not related to acid rain?
- Which of the following mainly causes the depletion of the ozone layer?
- 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?
- 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. - Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
Which one of the following is a major environmental issue in eastern Canada?
One of the main causes of air pollution in cities is emissions from vehicles like cars and trucks. Cars emit various pollutants which are bad for human health when inhaled, like
1) Nitrogen oxides (NO x)
2) Carbon monoxide (CO)
3) Carbon dioxide (CO 2)
4) Benzene
Which of the above pollutants are not tolerated by human beings even at very low levels?Which of the following substances are harmful for health if present in food items?
1) Pesticide residues
2) Lead
3) Metanil yellow
4) Mercury
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the commonly used household item(s) release Bisphenol A (BPA) which is an endocrine disruptor and bad for human health?
1. Steel utensils
2. Plastic coffee mugs
3. Aluminium utensils
4. Plastic water storage bottles
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Which one of the following is a cause of acid rains?
