Greenhouse Gases and Planetary Temperature

Why does increasing the amount a greenhouse gas increase the temperature of a planet?

Select one: a. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared light. b. Greenhouse gases emit infrared light. c. Greenhouse gases absorb visible light. d. Greenhouse gases emit visible light.

Final answer:

Greenhouse gases, when increased, raise a planet's temperature due to their absorption of infrared light. Option a. is correct.

Greenhouse gases play a crucial role in regulating the temperature of a planet. When the amount of greenhouse gases increases, they impact the temperature through a specific mechanism.

Explanation:

The increase in a planet's temperature due to an increase in greenhouse gases can be attributed to the fact that greenhouse gases absorb infrared light. Infrared radiation is emitted from the surface of the planet, and instead of escaping into space, it is absorbed by these gases.

The absorbed energy is then re-emitted, much of it back towards the surface of the planet. This greenhouse effect leads to an increase in the planet's temperature.

Greenhouse gases act as a barrier that traps heat within the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process is essential for maintaining a stable climate on Earth.