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(a) Describe what is meant by the greenhouse effect. - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 4
Question 11
(a) Describe what is meant by the greenhouse effect.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Describe what is meant by the greenhouse effect. - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 4
Step 1
Describe what is meant by the greenhouse effect.
Answer
The greenhouse effect refers to the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space. This occurs when the Sun's energy reaches the Earth, where it is absorbed and re-radiated as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor, absorb some of this infrared radiation, reflecting it back towards the Earth's surface. This natural process is essential for maintaining a habitable climate on Earth, as without it, our planet would be too cold to support life as we know it. However, human activities have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming.