Question

Greenhouse gases function by (a) blocking sunlight but letting out heat from Earth to outer space. (b) absorbing heat that radiates from Earth that would otherwise escape to outer space. (c) absorbing heat that radiates from the sun toward Earth. (d) releasing heat that radiates from Earth into outer space.

Name: Problem 2, Chapter 18: Biology Now
Uploaded: 2021-09-11T07:01:53-08:00
Duration: 1 min 17 s
Channel: Sana Riaz
Description: Greenhouse gases function by (a) blocking sunlight but letting out heat from Earth to outer space. (b) absorbing heat that radiates from Earth that would otherwise escape to outer space. (c) absorbing heat that radiates from the sun toward Earth. (d) releasing heat that radiates from Earth into outer space.

    Greenhouse gases function by
(a) blocking sunlight but letting out heat from Earth to outer space.
(b) absorbing heat that radiates from Earth that would otherwise escape to outer space.
(c) absorbing heat that radiates from the sun toward Earth.
(d) releasing heat that radiates from Earth into outer space.

Biology Now

Anne Houtman; Megan… 2nd Edition

Chapter 18, Problem 2

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Sana Riaz

09/11/2021

Step 1

Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb heat that radiates from the Earth. This is a natural process that helps to keep our planet warm and habitable. Show more…

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Greenhouse gases function by (a) blocking sunlight but letting out heat from Earth to outer space. (b) absorbing heat that radiates from Earth that would otherwise escape to outer space. (c) absorbing heat that radiates from the sun toward Earth. (d) releasing heat that radiates from Earth into outer space.

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Key Concepts

Energy Balance

Energy balance refers to the equilibrium between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it radiates back into space. The absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases play a critical role in maintaining this balance by retaining heat within the atmosphere.

Infrared Radiation

Infrared radiation is the type of heat energy that is emitted by Earth’s surface as it absorbs sunlight and warms up. Greenhouse gases are particularly effective at absorbing infrared wavelengths, preventing this heat from escaping completely into outer space.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun. This happens because these gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, keeping the planet warmer than it would be if the heat escaped rapidly into space.

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