Question

Which statement best summarizes the greenhouse effect? A. After absorbing solar energy, Earth’s surface is not able to reemit the solar energy all the way back to space. B. After absorbing solar energy, Earth’s surface emits long-wave radiation, which is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases in the atmosphere. These gases in turn emit some of the energy back down to Earth. C. After absorbing solar energy, Earth’s surface emits long-wave radiation, which is absorbed by the ozone layer, permanently trapping this energy within Earth’s atmosphere. D. After absorbing solar energy, Earth’s surface emits long-wave radiation, which is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases in the atmosphere, trapping the solar energy within the atmosphere.

Answer 1

Answer: Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits equal amounts of energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Answer: B. After absorbing solar energy, Earth's surface emits long-wave radiation, which is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases in the atmosphere. These gases, in turn, emit some of the energy back down to Earth.

Explanation: The greenhouse effect is defined as when the Earth's atmosphere becomes thick with gases and substances which trap the sun's radiation, making the Earth warmer. An example of the greenhouse effect is global warming. It is a process by which plants are able to grow well in a warm, enclosed structure. It is a process by which greenhouse gases block the sun's light to penetrate the atmosphere.