Question

Each of the following gases is present in the Earth's atmosphere. Which of them contributes to the greenhouse effect?
oxygen
nitrogen
water vapor
methane
carbon dioxide

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Among the gases listed, the following contribute to the greenhouse effect:

1. **Water vapor** - This is the most abundant greenhouse gas and plays a significant role in warming the atmosphere.
2. **Methane** - This is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a shorter time scale.
3. **Carbon dioxide** - This is a key greenhouse gas produced by various natural and human activities, contributing to global warming.

**Oxygen** and **nitrogen** do not contribute to the greenhouse effect, as they do not absorb infrared radiation.