Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements accurately describes the seasonal variation of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere over the course of a year?
7. Gases
The Ideal Gas Law
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Which of the following gases is not a greenhouse gas?
A
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
B
Water vapor (H2O)
C
Nitrogen (N2)
D
Methane (CH4)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a greenhouse gas: Greenhouse gases are those that can absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect, which warms the Earth's atmosphere.
Identify the common greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), and methane (CH4) are well-known greenhouse gases because they have the ability to trap heat in the atmosphere.
Consider the properties of nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen makes up a large portion of the Earth's atmosphere, but it does not absorb infrared radiation effectively, and thus does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Compare the gases: While CO2, H2O, and CH4 are all effective at trapping heat, N2 is not, due to its molecular structure and lack of interaction with infrared radiation.
Conclude which gas is not a greenhouse gas: Based on the properties discussed, nitrogen (N2) does not function as a greenhouse gas, unlike the other gases listed.
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