TEST II- ESSAY
The Earth has been gradually heating due to too much heat being trapped by greenhouse gases. One common gas that can easily trap heat is methane, a carbon compound. Consider your learning in this lesson on the properties and uses of carbon compounds, how will you help solve this environmental problem?
Answers & Comments
Answer:
In simplest terms, "greenhouse gases" let sunlight through to the earth's surface while trapping "outbound" radiation. This alters the radiative balance of the earth (see Figure A.1) and results in a warming of the earth's surface. The major greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrogenated chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), tropospheric ozone (O3), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Without the naturally occurring greenhouse gases (principally water vapor and CO2), the earth's average temperature would be nearly 35°C (63°F) colder, and the planet would be much less suitable for human life.
Explanation:
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