Environmentalhard · Past Paper

What is the primary mechanism of the 'Greenhouse Effect' in terms of molecular physics?

AGas molecules reflecting all sunlight
BVibrational/rotational modes of triatomic molecules matching infrared frequencies
CThe high density of greenhouse gases
DThermal conduction between gas molecules

✓ Correct Answer: BVibrational/rotational modes of triatomic molecules matching infrared frequencies

Molecules like CO2 and H2O have 3 or more atoms and can vibrate/rotate in ways that absorb infrared photons.

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