Question

Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect on Earth?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Hydrogen

Hint:

{Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is the major greenhouse gas} responsible for global warming due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The greenhouse effect is a natural process in which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat and keep the planet warm enough to sustain life. These gases are known as greenhouse gases. Major greenhouse gases include:

• Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\))
• Methane (\(CH_4\))
• Nitrous oxide (\(N_2O\))
• Water vapor

Among these, carbon dioxide is the most significant contributor to the greenhouse effect due to its large quantity in the atmosphere and its release from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Step 1: Identify the main greenhouse gas.
Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth and traps heat within the atmosphere.
Step 2: Eliminate other options.

• Oxygen and Nitrogen make up most of the atmosphere but do not significantly trap heat.
• Hydrogen is not a greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere.

Thus, the gas primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect is Carbon dioxide.