AQA · Chemistry · 8462
GCSE Chemistry: Greenhouse gases
Chemistry of the atmosphere · AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), specification point 4.9.2.1. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Greenhouse gases", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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Why are greenhouse gases in the atmosphere essential for life on Earth?
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They maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life.
Name three greenhouse gases found in the atmosphere.
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Water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane.
Water vapour, carbon dioxide and ? are greenhouse gases.
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methane
Is water vapour a greenhouse gas?
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Yes — water vapour, along with carbon dioxide and methane, is a greenhouse gas.
What wavelength of radiation does the Sun emit that passes through the atmosphere to Earth's surface?
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Short wavelength radiation (e.g. visible light and UV), which greenhouse gases do not absorb.
What wavelength of radiation does Earth's surface emit after absorbing sunlight?
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Long wavelength (infrared) radiation.
Which type of radiation do greenhouse gases absorb: short or long wavelength?
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Long wavelength (infrared) radiation emitted by Earth's surface; short wavelength solar radiation passes through them.
Describe the greenhouse effect in terms of short and long wavelength radiation.
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Short wavelength radiation from the Sun passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by Earth's surface; the surface re-emits long wavelength radiation, which greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate, warming the atmosphere.
What happens to the long wavelength radiation absorbed by greenhouse gases?
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It is re-radiated in all directions, including back towards Earth's surface, which increases the temperature of the atmosphere.
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