If the proportion of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere decreased significantly but the amount of atmosphere and the reflective properties of the atmosphere did not change, which effect would most likely occur?(1 point) Responses The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because less solar energy would reach Earth. The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because less solar energy would reach Earth. The temperature of Earth’s surface would increase because more heat would be trapped by the atmosphere. The temperature of Earth’s surface would increase because more heat would be trapped by the atmosphere. The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because more heat would escape into space. The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because more heat would escape into space. The temperature of Earth’s surface would increase because more solar energy would reach Earth.

Answer 1

If the proportion of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere decreased significantly, but the amount of atmosphere and the reflective properties of the atmosphere did not change, the most likely effect would be:

The temperature of Earth’s surface would decrease because more heat would escape into space.

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, meaning it helps trap heat in the atmosphere. If its concentration decreases, there would be less greenhouse gas to retain heat, allowing more of it to escape back into space, resulting in a decrease in surface temperature.