The greenhouse effect is due to :a)Impermeability of long wavelength r...
**Explanation:**
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere. It is responsible for trapping heat and maintaining the Earth's temperature at a level necessary to support life. The primary greenhouse gases that contribute to this effect are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O).
**1. Greenhouse Effect:**
The greenhouse effect works by allowing short-wavelength solar radiation (such as visible light) to pass through the Earth's atmosphere and reach the surface of the Earth. This radiation warms the surface of the Earth. In turn, the warmed surface emits long-wavelength infrared radiation back into the atmosphere.
**2. Impermeability of Long Wavelength Radiations through CO2:**
This is where the impermeability of long-wavelength radiations through CO2 comes into play. While short-wavelength radiation can easily pass through the atmosphere, long-wavelength infrared radiation is absorbed and trapped by certain greenhouse gases, including CO2. This absorption of long-wavelength radiation by CO2 prevents it from escaping back into space and leads to an overall warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.
**3. Role of CO2:**
CO2 is a particularly important greenhouse gas because it has a strong ability to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. When long-wavelength infrared radiation is emitted from the Earth's surface, CO2 molecules in the atmosphere absorb some of this radiation. As a result, the CO2 molecules become excited and re-emit the radiation in all directions, including back towards the Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
**4. Greenhouse Effect Balance:**
The greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining a habitable climate on Earth. Without greenhouse gases, the Earth's average temperature would be much colder, making it difficult for life to exist. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an enhanced greenhouse effect, resulting in global warming and climate change.
**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the greenhouse effect is due to the impermeability of long-wavelength radiations through CO2 in the atmosphere. This phenomenon occurs when CO2 molecules absorb and re-emit long-wavelength infrared radiation, trapping heat and warming the Earth's surface. It is important to understand the greenhouse effect and its causes in order to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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