Describe the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Is there any difference between the way the atmospheric greenhouse effect works on a clear night and on a cloudy night?
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: The atmospheric greenhouse effect is defined as the absorption of infrared radiation from Earth by water vapor, CO2, and other greenhouse gases. As these gases absorb infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface, they gain kinetic energy (the energy of motion). Gas molecules share this energy by colliding with neighboring air molecules, such as oxygen and nitrogen (both of which are poor absorbers of infrared energy). Collisions increase the average kinetic energy of the air resulting in an increase in air temperature.
Clouds can enhance the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Tiny liquid cloud droplets are selective absorbers in that they are good absorbers of infrared radiation but poor absorbers of visible solar radiation. Clouds even absorb wavelengths between 8 and 11 µm, which are otherwise passed up by water vapor and CO2. Thus, they have the effect of enhancing the atmospheric greenhouse effect by closing the atmospheric window.
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a. True b. False
The water molecule is a polar molecule which means that ________.
A. it has a slightly negative and a slightly positive side B. it has extremely high viscosity C. it forms a crystal lattice while still a liquid D. it is spherical E. it has low heat capacity
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Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
What percentage of the commercial energy used in the United States is wasted?
a. 14% b. 24% c. 44% d. 64% e. 84%