Chapter 10.4, Problem 5RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The greenhouse effect and the key molecules that cause it needs to be determined.

Concept introduction: Greenhouse effect is defined as the process by which an atmosphere warms up a planet due to trapping of radiation due to the presence of the greenhouse gases such as that of carbon dioxide.

Answer to Problem 5RQ

The greenhouse effect is defined as the trapping of the radiation in the upper atmosphere due to the presence of the greenhouse gases such as that of carbon dioxide and water.

The key molecules that cause greenhouse effect are presence of carbon-dioxide, water and some other gases in small quantity like ${\text{CH}}_{\text{4}}$ and ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

Explanation of Solution

The greenhouse effect is defined as the trapping of the radiation in the upper atmosphere due to the presence of the greenhouse gases such as that of carbon dioxide and water. Due to this trapping of the radiation, the temperature of the earth raises. The greenhouse effect is also seen affecting the Venus.

The key molecules that causes the greenhouse effects are the presence of carbon dioxide, solar cycle etc.

A pictorial description of the solar cycle is given below.

  

Conclusion

The key molecules that cause greenhouse effect are presence of carbon-dioxide, water and some other gases in small quantity like ${\text{CH}}_{\text{4}}$ and ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$