The greenhouse effect produces excess heat in a planet's atmosphere by
A) trapping infrared radiation from escaping into space.
B) clouds blocking the surface from receiving any infrared radiation.
C) trapping light gases from escaping into space.
D) trapping ultraviolet light in the upper atmosphere of the planet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases in a planet's atmosphere trap infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface, preventing it from escaping into space and thus warming the atmosphere.

The Greenhouse Effect Produces Excess Heat in a Planet's Atmosphere