Question detail
What type of radiation do greenhouse gases absorb that is emitted from the Earth's surface?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
Question
- A. Ultraviolet radiation
- B. Visible light
- C. Infrared radiation
- D. X-rays
Answer
Infrared radiation
Explanation
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface, which helps to maintain the planet's temperature.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding the Greenhouse Effect
Students often confuse the roles of short-wavelength radiation from the Sun and infrared radiation emitted by the Earth in the greenhouse effect.
Clarify that short-wavelength radiation from the Sun passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the Earth's surface, which then emits infrared radiation that greenhouse gases trap, warming the atmosphere.
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