Asked by f

Which statement best describes the greenhouse effect?
A. Incoming solar radiation is completely blocked by greenhouse gases before reaching Earth.
B. Some outgoing longwave (infrared) radiation is absorbed and re-emitted by atmospheric gases, warming the planet.
C. Greenhouse gases absorb visible sunlight and prevent any heating of Earth's surface.
D. The greenhouse effect causes Earth's orbit to change, producing climate cycles.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
B. Some outgoing longwave (infrared) radiation is absorbed and re-emitted by atmospheric gases, warming the planet.

Explanation: Greenhouse gases (e.g., CO2, water vapor) are mostly transparent to incoming shortwave solar radiation but absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface, trapping heat and raising surface and lower-atmosphere temperatures. The other choices are incorrect for the reasons above.