gs1easy

The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs

  1. A.the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
  2. B.the UV part of the solar radiation
  3. C.all the solar radiations
  4. D.the infrared part of the solar radiation
▶ Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: D. the infrared part of the solar radiation

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat by absorbing the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. This absorbed energy is then re-radiated in all directions, including back towards the Earth, leading to a warming effect. UV radiation is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, and not significantly by CO2. Water vapor is also a greenhouse gas, but CO2 specifically absorbs infrared radiation.

Source: UPSC gs1 2012

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