What happens when infrared light is absorbed by greenhouse gases?
But the greenhouse gas molecules absorb the infrared light, and then re-radiate some of it back to the Earth’s surface. This makes the surface hotter so it radiates more light, thus establishing an equilibrium at a higher temperature. This process is known as the Greenhouse Effect.
How do greenhouse gases keep the Earth warm?
Greenhouse gases keep our planet livable by holding onto some of Earth’s heat energy so that it doesn’t all escape into space. This heat trapping is known as the greenhouse effect. Just as too little greenhouse gas makes Earth too cold, too much greenhouse gas makes Earth too warm.
What is the greenhouse effect explain the process?
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and some is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth.
Do greenhouse gases emit infrared radiation?
Now, the warmer greenhouse gases emit infrared radiation based on their temperature. When the Earth emits radiation, it has nowhere to go but up, but greenhouse gases can emit radiation in all directions.
How are greenhouse gases emitted?
Emitted primarily through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, and trees and wood products. Changes in land use also play a role. Deforestation and soil degradation add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, while forest regrowth takes it out of the atmosphere.
How does a greenhouse produce infrared radiation?
As the light strikes various surfaces in the greenhouse and they are heated. These surfaces in turn re-radiate the heat in the form of infrared radiation (long wavelength). However, the IR radiation is blocked from escaping by the glass.
Which gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation?
Certain gases in the atmosphere have the property of absorbing infrared radiation. Oxygen and nitrogen the major gases in the atmosphere do not have this property. The infrared radiation strikes a molecule such as carbon dioxide and causes the bonds
How does carbon dioxide absorb infrared light?
Molecules of carbon dioxide (CO 2) can absorb energy from infrared (IR) radiation. This animation shows a molecule of CO 2 absorbing an incoming infrared photon (yellow arrows). The energy from the photon causes the CO 2 molecule to vibrate.
How does IR radiation pass through glass?
However, the IR radiation is blocked from escaping by the glass. IR is not able to pass through the glass, hence the greenhouse air heats up fairly dramatically. The greenhouse gases have the same property as the glass towards the IR radiation.