Greenhouse gases are molecules in the Earth's atmosphere that are able to trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect. The most common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), water vapor (H2O), and fluorinated gases.
These molecules are considered greenhouse gases because they have the ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation, which results in the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This trapped heat leads to an increase in global temperatures, which can have significant impacts on the Earth's climate system and ecosystems.
These gases are also long-lived in the atmosphere, allowing them to contribute to the greenhouse effect over extended periods of time. Additionally, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agricultural practices have increased the concentrations of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, further enhancing their heat-trapping capabilities.
4. What kinds of molecules can be considered greenhouse gases? Why?
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