How do greenhouse gases cause the greenhouse effect?

Question

Put the sentences into the correct order to explain the greenhouse effect. To change the position of a statement, click on the statement, then click on the up and down arrows to change its position.

Greenhouse gases let shorter wavelength ultraviolet radiation pass through to warm the Earth’s surface.

Earth’s surface re-emits this as infrared (thermal) radiation.

Greenhouse gases absorb some of the emitted infrared (thermal) radiation, and the temperature of the atmosphere rises.

Radiation from the Sun reaches the atmosphere. Some of this radiation is reflected back into space.

Quizzma Team · Answer

Sure! Here’s the correct order for the sentences explaining the greenhouse effect:

1. Radiation from the Sun reaches the atmosphere. Some of this radiation is reflected back into space.
2. Greenhouse gases let shorter wavelength ultraviolet radiation pass through to warm the Earth’s surface.
3. Earth’s surface re-emits this as infrared (thermal) radiation.
4. Greenhouse gases absorb some of the emitted infrared (thermal) radiation, and the temperature of the atmosphere rises.

Explanation: This sequence starts with solar radiation reaching the Earth, continues with how greenhouse gases allow the Sun’s energy to warm the Earth, then describes how the Earth releases this energy as infrared radiation, and finally explains how greenhouse gases trap that heat, leading to an increase in atmospheric temperature. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

How do greenhouse gases cause the greenhouse effect?

1 Answer