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Multiple Choice
Which of the following gases is not considered a main type of greenhouse gas?
A
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
B
Methane (CH4)
C
Water vapor (H2O)
D
Nitrogen (N2)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of greenhouse gases: Greenhouse gases are components of the atmosphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation. The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O).
Identify the role of each gas listed: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas due to its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere. Methane (CH4) is another potent greenhouse gas, with a higher heat-trapping ability than CO2. Water vapor (H2O) is the most abundant greenhouse gas and plays a crucial role in the natural greenhouse effect.
Consider the properties of nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere but is not a greenhouse gas. It does not absorb infrared radiation and therefore does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Compare the gases: While CO2, CH4, and H2O are all greenhouse gases, N2 is not. This is because N2 does not have the molecular structure necessary to absorb and emit infrared radiation.
Conclude which gas is not a greenhouse gas: Based on the understanding of greenhouse gases and their properties, nitrogen (N2) is not considered a main type of greenhouse gas.