Infrared radiation is more likely to encounter a greenhouse gas molecule compared to other types of radiation. This is because greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O), have molecular vibrational and rotational modes that resonate with infrared wavelengths.
When infrared radiation encounters these molecules, it can be absorbed, causing the molecules to vibrate. This absorption process is a key mechanism in the greenhouse effect, where certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat and contribute to warming the planet. In contrast, visible light and other forms of radiation may not interact as strongly with greenhouse gases, making the interaction more favorable for infrared radiation.