What is the greenhouse effect?
The process by which certain atmospheric gases keep Earth warm enough to support life.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Chemistry — Higher · 5.9.2.1
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What is the greenhouse effect?
The process by which certain atmospheric gases keep Earth warm enough to support life.
What happens to the Sun’s mainly short-wavelength radiation when it reaches Earth?
It passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by Earth’s surface.
What radiation does Earth’s warmed surface emit?
Longer-wavelength infrared radiation.
What do greenhouse gases do to some of Earth’s outgoing infrared radiation?
They absorb it and re-emit it in different directions.
How does the greenhouse effect affect thermal energy loss to space and Earth’s temperature?
It reduces the rate of energy loss, keeping the surface and atmosphere warmer.
What are three greenhouse gases?
Water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane.