Multiple Choice
Which statement correctly compares chemical reactions with nuclear reactions?
25
views
1. Intro to General Chemistry
Chemical Properties
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which greenhouse gas is the most powerful absorber of the infrared radiation emitted by Earth?
A
CO_2 (carbon dioxide)
B
N_2O (nitrous oxide)
C
H_2O (water vapor)
D
CH_4 (methane)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation emitted by Earth, contributing to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Recognize that different greenhouse gases have varying abilities to absorb infrared radiation based on their molecular structure and vibrational modes.
Recall that water vapor (H_2O) is the most abundant and effective greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere due to its strong absorption bands across a wide range of infrared wavelengths.
Compare the absorption capabilities of other gases listed: CO_2, N_2O, and CH_4, which are also greenhouse gases but generally less effective than water vapor in absorbing infrared radiation.
Conclude that among the options, H_2O (water vapor) is the most powerful absorber of infrared radiation emitted by Earth.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Chemical Properties practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations