Answered: Define Greenhouse effect.

Astronomy

1st Edition

ISBN:9781938168284

Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff

Publisher:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff

Chapter8: Earth As A Planet

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 14E: Briefly describe the greenhouse effect.

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Define Greenhouse effect.

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Greenhouses allow shorter-wavelength light to pass through them but doesn't let the longer wavelength light to get out.

Greenhouse effect is defined as the heating up of lower parts of the atmosphere due to absorption and reemission of solar energy as infrared radiation. The analogy with actual greenhouses is not completely appropriate as carbon dioxide and water vapor don't exactly trap radiation, but absorb it and reemit it towards the surface, heating it up.

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