Question

Which of the following gases accounts for the largest amount of radiative forcing?

a) Nitrous oxides (N2O)
b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
c) Methane (CH4)
d) Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Answer 1

d) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Step-by-step explanation:

Radiative forcing is measure of the heating effect a gas has on the atmosphere. Gases that produce this heating effect are known as greenhouse gases. These gases absorb radiant or heat energy from the sun, and radiate it back to the earth thereby preventing its escape from the earth and in turn warming up the earth.

The major greenhouse gases are: Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Chlorofluorocarbons.

Of all these gases, data collected by scientists have shown that carbon dioxide, CO₂ accounts for the largest amount of radiative forcing.