Molecules that are transparent to visible light but absorb and re-emit infrared

Question

Molecules that are transparent to visible light but absorb and re-emit infrared light are known as "greenhouse gases." 7) What are the two greenhouse gases most responsible for absorbing infrared light in Earth's atmosphere? Once visible light from the Sun reaches the surface of Earth, some of the light is reflected back toward space as visible light, and the remaining light is absorbed by the ground. Reflected light does not change the temperature of the surface, whereas absorbed light causes the temperature of the surface to increase. Earth's heated surface then gives off infrared light to Earth's atmosphere. As an example, on a hot day, black asphalt absorbs more visible light and gives off more infrared light than does a white crosswalk 8) The Sun is approximately 6000 K at the surface and has an energy distribution that peaks at visible wavelengths; Earth's surface is much cooler at about 288 K. What type of light do you think Earth's surface primarily gives off: ultraviolet, visible, or infrared light? Explain your reasoning. 9) Does Earth's surface give off light at night? If so, what type? If not, why not? 10) Consider the following debate between two students regarding the energy given off by Earth's surface. Student#1: The Sun mainly gives off visible light and so does Earth's surface because Student #2: But that's just reflected sunlight Earth's surface is much cooler than the Sun I can see it during the daytime. and mostly gives off energy closer to the kind that our bodies give off- infrared light. I'm not sure, but I think the surface probably radiates infrared light during both the daytime and the nighttime based upon its temperature. Do you agree or disagree with either or both of'the students? Explain your reasoning 11) Will the light given off by Earth's surface easily travel back through the atmosphere to space or will it be absorbed by molecules in the atmosphere? Explain your reasoning

Explanation / Answer

7. The two greenhouse gases which absorb infrared radiations are carbon dioxide and water vapour. Other important gases which absorb infrared rays are methane and nitrous oxide. These gases help in heating of earth. High absorption will lead to environmental problems. This is called greenhouse effect and thus helps in maintaining atmospheric temperature.

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