GCSE Chemistry (AQA)

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Greenhouse Effect

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Chemistry of the atmosphere Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases

Greenhouse Effect

4:04 Effects of Greenhouse Gases on Climate Change
Spec 4.9.2.1
Previous The Early Atmosphere: Carbon Dioxide Next Global Climate Change
  • Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life.
  • The atmosphere is a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, held close to Earth by gravity.
  • Greenhouse gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, play an important role in maintaining Earth's temperature.
  • Greenhouse gases function similarly to a greenhouse, trapping heat from the sun.
  • The sun emits radiation, including short wavelength radiation like infrared, UV waves, and visible light, which reaches Earth.
  • Greenhouse gases allow short wavelength radiation from the sun to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, warming the Earth.
  • The Earth emits longer wavelength radiation as it tries to lose heat.
  • Some of this longer wavelength radiation escapes into space, while some is absorbed by greenhouse gases and reflected back to Earth.
  • This reflection of radiation back to Earth by greenhouse gases is the greenhouse effect, which is essential for supporting life.
  • Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be about 18 degrees cooler on average, too cold to support life.

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