Integrated Science (looseleaf)
Integrated Science (looseleaf)
7th Edition
ISBN: 9781259350436
Author: Tillery
Publisher: MCG
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Textbook Question
Chapter 17, Problem 1CQ

Explain the greenhouse effect. Is a greenhouse a good analogy for Earth’s atmosphere? Explain.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

The explanation for the greenhouse effect and positive assumptions about it for Earth’s atmosphere.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

The absorption of solar energy and reemitted infrared energy results in heating of the atmosphere. This is known as the greenhouse effect. The belief that it is good for the atmosphere is misleading. Trapping of greenhouse gases increases the temperature which is not good for the survival of all the species.

Explanation of Solution

Trapping of certain gases known as greenhouse gases leads to trapping of solar energy in the atmosphere. In normal conditions, the solar energy enters into the atmosphere, some of it is absorbed and rest escapes from it, but in the greenhouse effect, the emitted energy or infrared radiation does not escape from the atmosphere resulting in an increase in temperature. If the process continues then, it will lead to a consistent increase in the temperature of Earth. This effect is known as the greenhouse effect because in a greenhouse the solar energy can enter into the greenhouse glass, but the emitted radiations cannot escape the glass leading to an increase in temperature of the greenhouse.

The belief that the greenhouse effect is good is misleading. The greenhouse gases do not exactly trap the radiations. In fact, they undergo dynamic absorption and emission process. Increase in greenhouse gases will increase the temperature, but this is not true for the greenhouse as increasing glass layers does not increase the temperature. Therefore, the greenhouse effect cannot prove to be beneficial for the Earth’s atmosphere.

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