Greenhouse Gases (AQA GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

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The greenhouse effect

  • Greenhouse gases maintain the temperatures on Earth high enough to support life 
  • This is known as the greenhouse effect 
  • Three greenhouse gases are:
    • carbon dioxide
    • methane
    • water vapour 

What is the greenhouse effect?

  • Short wavelength radiation (ultraviolet radiation) is emitted from the sun
  • When it strikes the earth's surface, some of it is absorbed and some is re-emitted from the surface of the Earth as long wavelength radiation (infrared radiation)
  • Much of the radiation is trapped inside the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases which can absorb and store the energy
  • Increasing levels of carbon dioxide and methane, although present in only small amounts, are causing significant upset to the Earth’s natural conditions by trapping extra heat energy

The greenhouse effect 

Diagram to show the greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases trap some of the Sun's radiation causing the Earth to warm up

Examiner Tip

If you are a higher tier student, it is important that you can describe the greenhouse effect in terms of short and long wavelength radiation. 

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.