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All gases react to infrared (IR) to some degree. Also, there are a range of energies (frequencies) in the IR region. But some gases are much better at absorbing IR than others, and we assign the term "greenhouse gases" to them. Among these is carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's, which are a family of compounds containing carbon and fluorine), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3) and even water vapor (H2O).
These gases are increasing in concentration in the atmosphere, and they're causing a general "warming" of the earth. This spurs climate change on a global scale. We clearly admit that the climate of the earth has changed many times in the past. And it continues to do so today; it's a "living" mechanism. But man's contribution to the increase in the speed, the acceleration, of these changes by dumping these gases into the atmosphere cannot be ignored. The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, and, therefore, the increase in average global temperatures (and associated climate change!) is more than dramatic. The rapid changes are destructive, and the wise person would not get hoodwinked by believing anyone saying these changes are not dangerously accelerated by man.
The door is open to understanding the relatively simple chemistry of the greenhouse gases, and also to the much more complex changes in global climate driven by what man is doing as regards emitting them. Links below will get you started down a path of broader understanding. Even if you're not a chemist, atmospheric scientist or other "high power" investigator, you will be making decisions which have far reaching effects on the planet and the lives of man (and everything else!) in the future. If all you do is vote or recycle or even consume, you are a part of the mechanism. Educate yourself, think it through and make a considered choice about where you want to be in the cycle. Then take a firm stand.
A:All gases absorb some infrared radiation, but the strongest absorbers are the "greenhouse" gases: primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides.
What else can I help you with?
What does carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb?
Carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb infrared radiation from the sun and the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect and trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Why and how does the earth emit infrared radiation?
The Earth emits infrared radiation as a result of absorbing sunlight and re-emitting that energy as heat. This process, known as thermal radiation, is essential for maintaining Earth's energy balance. The Earth's surface and atmosphere absorb sunlight, warm up, and then emit this energy as infrared radiation to maintain a stable temperature.
What role does radiation play in warming the atmosphere?
Radiation from the sun heats the Earth's surface, which then emits infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, absorb and trap some of this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space and warming the atmosphere. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
Is nitrogen a good or bad absorber of incoming solar radiation?
Yes, it absorbs solar radiation in the form of infrared rays rising from the surface of the earth. This heat is absorbed by the greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)) and this is causing global warming.
What kind of energy does the atmosphere absorb from the ground after the earth absorbs the infrared rays that the ground?
the answer is thermal
How does nitrogen absorb infrared radiation?
Nitrogen absorbs infrared radiation by vibrating and rotating its molecules when they come into contact with the radiation. This vibration and rotation process allows nitrogen to absorb and trap the infrared energy, which can lead to warming of the atmosphere.
What gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation and Which gases absorb ultraviolet?
Some of the gases found in our atmosphere which absorb infrared light are: carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. Gases found in our atmosphere which absorb ultraviolet light are ozone (O3) and oxygen gas (O2).
Does methane absorb infrared radiation?
Yes, methane does absorb infrared radiation.
What does carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb?
Carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb infrared radiation from the sun and the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect and trapping heat in the atmosphere.
How do greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation?
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation by trapping and re-emitting heat energy in the Earth's atmosphere. This process allows them to retain heat and contribute to the warming of the planet.
How do greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and contribute to the Earth's warming?
Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. This absorption traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to the warming of the Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
Do all molecules absorb infrared radiation?
No, not all molecules absorb infrared radiation. Only molecules with specific molecular vibrations that match the energy of infrared radiation can absorb it. These vibrations involve changes in dipole moment or stretching/bending of bonds.
Do all objects absorb infra red radiation?
No, not all objects absorb infrared radiation. The ability of an object to absorb infrared radiation depends on its material properties. Different materials have different levels of absorption and reflection of infrared radiation.
Why is Co2 is a greenhouse gas?
CO2 is a greenhouse gas because it absorbs and traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere. When sunlight hits the Earth's surface, some of the heat is reflected back into space as infrared radiation. CO2 molecules in the atmosphere absorb this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space and thus leading to a warming effect.
What gases absorb infrared radiation?
The gases that absorb infrared radiation are known as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
What happens to greenhouse gas molecules when they encounter infrared radiation?
When greenhouse gas molecules encounter infrared radiation, they absorb the radiation and become energized. This causes them to vibrate and release heat energy, which contributes to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere.
How does infrared radiation act as a blanket in your troposphere?
Infrared radiation acts as a blanket in the troposphere by trapping heat that is radiated from the Earth's surface. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorb the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process warms the atmosphere and helps regulate the Earth's temperature.
