Question

Explain the greenhouse effect with reference to the gases responsible for it and their sources.

Answer 1

1. Carbon Dioxide \[\ce{(CO2)}\]: This gas arises from the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and various industrial processes.
2. Methane \[\ce{(CH4)}\]: Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. Also results from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills.
3. Nitrous Oxide \[\ce{(N2O)}\]: Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
4. Fluorinated Gases: Synthetic gases are used in a range of industrial applications but are much less common; their contribution is significant due to their high global warming potential.

Answer 2

1. Gases responsible for this effect are carbon dioxide \[\ce{(CO2)}\], Methane \[\ce{(CH4)}\], chloroflorocarbons (CFC), Nitrous oxide \[\ce{(N2O)}\] and water vapours.
2. Burning of fossil fuels in industries, by automobiles, and burning of agricultural wastes, levels of \[\ce{CO2}\] are increasing.
3. Biagas plants, paddy fields, and cattle sheds add methane to fire extinguishers and· air conditioners.
4. Chloroflorocarbons (CFC) are emitted by fire extinguishers and air conditioners.