B.2 Greenhouse effect

Question 1

Emissivity

Answer 1

The ratio of energy emitted by an object to the energy emitted by a perfect black body of the same size and temperature. It indicates how well an object radiates energy

Question 2

Albedo

Answer 2

The ratio of reflected to incident light on an object or surface. It determines how much energy from the Sun is reflected back into space

Question 3

Solar Constant (S)

Answer 3

The average amount of solar radiation received per unit area on a surface perpendicular to the rays, at Earth’s average distance from the Sun

Question 4

Conservation of Energy in Earth’s Atmosphere

Answer 4

The principle stating that the energy from the Sun absorbed by Earth equals the sum of the energy reflected and emitted back into space

Question 5

Factors Affecting Earth’s Albedo

Answer 5

Cloud thickness, type of cloud cover, latitude, and the type of terrain can all influence the Earth’s albedo, affecting its climate and temperature

Question 6

Greenhouse Effect

Answer 6

A process where certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet

Question 7

Major Greenhouse Gases

Answer 7

Water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3) are key gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect

Question 8

Infrared Radiation

Answer 8

A type of electromagnetic radiation absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases, playing a central role in Earth’s energy balance

Question 9

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Answer 9

The increase in Earth’s average temperature caused by additional greenhouse gases released by human activities such as burning fossil fuels

Question 10

Impact of Greenhouse Gases

Answer 10

They absorb infrared radiation, warming the Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere, influencing climate patterns and weather conditions