Question

what is the relationship between the greenhouse effect and sunlight? a. greenhouse gases absorb sunlight, and then reradiate it to the surface. b. greenhouse gases reflect sunlight into space, preventing it from reaching the surface. c. greenhouse gases absorb sunlight, preventing it from reaching the surface. d. greenhouse gases absorb heat, and sunlight is the source of energy of the heat.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the greenhouse effect:

• Option A: Greenhouse gases do not absorb sunlight and reradiate it to the surface. Sunlight reaches the surface first, and greenhouse gases absorb infrared (heat) radiation from the surface, not sunlight. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Greenhouse gases do not reflect sunlight into space to prevent it from reaching the surface (that's more like atmospheric particles or clouds in some cases, not greenhouse gases). Greenhouse gases trap heat, not reflect sunlight. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Greenhouse gases do not absorb sunlight to prevent it from reaching the surface. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere to the surface, and greenhouse gases interact with the heat (infrared) emitted by the surface. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Sunlight is the source of energy (heat) for the Earth, and greenhouse gases absorb the infrared heat radiated by the Earth’s surface (and atmosphere), trapping it and warming the planet. This accurately describes the relationship: sunlight provides the energy, and greenhouse gases absorb the resulting heat.

Answer:

D. Greenhouse gases absorb heat, and sunlight is the source of energy of the heat.