Question detail
How do greenhouse gases help maintain temperatures on Earth?
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. By reflecting sunlight back into space
- B. By absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation
- C. By increasing the amount of ultraviolet radiation
- D. By reducing atmospheric pressure
Answer
The correct option is By absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to describe the greenhouse effect in terms of short-wavelength radiation from the Sun and infrared radiation emitted by the Earth in the subtopic Greenhouse gases.
Explanation
The correct option is By absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation. By absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to describe the greenhouse effect in terms of short-wavelength radiation from the Sun and infrared radiation emitted by the Earth. This belongs to the subtopic Greenhouse gases within Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Greenhouse gases.
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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