Arrange the following Greenhouse gases in the increasing order of thei...
The Global Warming Potential (GWP) was developed to allow comparisons of the global warming impacts of different gases. Specifically, it is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). The larger the GWP, the more that a given gas warms the Earth compared to CO2 over that time period. The time period usually used for GWPs is 100 years. GWPs provide a common unit of measure, which allows analysts to add up emissions estimates of different gases (e.g., to compile a national GHG inventory), and allows policymakers to compare emissions reduction opportunities across sectors and gases.
- CO2, by definition, has a GWP of 1 regardless of the time period used because it is the gas being used as the reference. CO2 remains in the climate system for a very long time: CO2 emissions cause increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO2 that will last thousands of years.
- Methane (CH4) is estimated to have a GWP of 27-30 over 100 years. CH4 emitted today lasts about a decade on average, which is much less time than CO2. But CH4 also absorbs much more energy than CO2. The net effect of the shorter lifetime and higher energy absorption is reflected in the GWP. The CH4 GWP also accounts for some indirect effects, such as the fact that CH4 is a precursor to ozone, and ozone is itself a GHG.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O) has a GWP 273 times that of CO2 for a 100-year timescale. N2O emitted today remains in the atmosphere for more than 100 years, on average.
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) are sometimes called high-GWP gases because, for a given amount of mass, they trap substantially more heat than CO2. (The GWPs for these gases can be in the thousands or tens of thousands.) So, Option (d) is correct.
Arrange the following Greenhouse gases in the increasing order of thei...
Global Warming Potential of Greenhouse Gases:
Methane (CH4) - GWP: 28-36
- Methane has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 28-36 over a 100-year period.
- It is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) - GWP: 23,500
- Sulphur hexafluoride has a very high GWP of 23,500 over a 100-year period.
- It is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in terms of trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) - GWP: Varies from 140 to 12,000
- HFCs have varying GWPs, ranging from 140 to 12,000 depending on the specific type.
- They are commonly used as refrigerants and have a significant impact on global warming.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) - GWP: 265-298
- Nitrous oxide has a GWP of 265-298 over a 100-year period.
- It is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Therefore, the correct increasing order of Global Warming Potential for the given greenhouse gases is:
1. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) - GWP: 265-298
2. Methane (CH4) - GWP: 28-36
3. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) - GWP: Varies from 140 to 12,000
4. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) - GWP: 23,500
Hence, option 'D' - 1-4-3-2 is the correct answer.
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