Which two gases are most important in producing the greenhouse effect on Earth?
A)nitrogen and oxygen
B)hydrogen and helium
C)carbon dioxide and methane
D)water vapor and sulfur dioxide

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide and methane are the two gases most important in producing the greenhouse effect on Earth. These gases are known as greenhouse gases because they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to the Earth's overall temperature. Nitrogen and oxygen make up the majority of the Earth's atmosphere, but they do not have the same greenhouse effect as carbon dioxide and methane. Hydrogen and helium are present in the Earth's atmosphere but in very small quantities and do not contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect. Water vapor and sulfur dioxide can also contribute to the greenhouse effect, but carbon dioxide and methane are the most important greenhouse gases because of their ability to trap heat and their long atmospheric lifetimes.

Which Two Gases Are Most Important in Producing the Greenhouse