Question

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases absorb and delay the loss of heat to space, thus keeping the lower troposphere warm.

1. Name the greenhouse gases.
2. What is the positive role that these gases play on the Earth’s surface?

Answer 1

1. The greenhouse gases are:
   1. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
   2. Methane (CH₄)
   3. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
   4. Ozone (O₃)
   5. Water vapour (H₂O)
   6. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) also play a role in the greenhouse effect.
2. The positive role of these greenhouse gases is that they absorb and delay the loss of heat from the Earth’s surface to space, thus keeping the lower troposphere warm. They maintain the Earth’s global temperature at a comfortable average of about 15°C. Without these gases, the Earth’s atmosphere would be around -17 °C, which would make the planet frozen and lifeless like Mars. Essentially, they act like the glass of a greenhouse, allowing sunlight in but preventing heat from easily escaping, which supports life-friendly temperatures on Earth.