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)preventing light gases from escaping into space.
D)trapping ultraviolet light in the upper atmosphere of the planet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect is the process by which gases in a planet's atmosphere trap and hold heat from the sun. The gases, such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane, absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, which would otherwise escape into space. This causes the atmosphere to warm, leading to the greenhouse effect.

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