What is the Greenhouse Effect? (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))
Revision Note
Written by: Philippa Platt
Reviewed by: Stewart Hird
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
Greenhouse gases trap some of the Sun's radiation causing the Earth to warm up
Carbon dioxide
Sources: Combustion of wood and fossil fuels, respiration of plants and animals, thermal decomposition of carbonate rocks and the effect of acids on carbonates
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important to understand the difference between the greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect ensures the mean global temperature is around 15oC and without greenhouse gases the surface of the Earth would swing between extreme heat and extreme cold. The enhanced greenhouse effect, due an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, most scientists believe, is leading to global warming.
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