The greenhouse effect occurs because
A) carbon dioxide is transparent to visible light and opaque to infrared radiation.
B) carbon dioxide is transparent to infrared radiation and opaque to ultraviolet radiation.
C) ozone is transparent to infrared radiation and opaque to ultraviolet radiation.
D) ozone is transparent to visible light and opaque to infrared radiation.
E) the sun emits more infrared radiation than ultraviolet radiation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect occurs because carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are transparent to visible light from the sun, allowing it to enter the atmosphere, but are opaque to the infrared radiation (heat) that the Earth's surface emits, trapping the heat and warming the planet.

The Greenhouse Effect Occurs Because