Carbon dioxide contributes to atmospheric warming by ________.
A)absorbing incoming radiation from the sun and converting it to heat
B)absorbing radiation emitted from the surface of the earth preventing its loss to space
C)undergoing exothermic reactions extensively in the atmosphere
D)increasing the index of refraction of the atmosphere so that infrared radiation from the sun is refracted to the surface of the earth where it is converted to heat
E)reducing the concentration of CO in the atmosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means it absorbs and emits thermal radiation within the thermal infrared range. When carbon dioxide in the atmosphere absorbs radiation emitted from the surface of the earth, it prevents the radiation from escaping directly to space. This trapping of heat causes warming of the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.

Carbon Dioxide Contributes to Atmospheric Warming by ________