Question

we can best describe the greenhouse effect as:
a an unnatural process that humans have completely caused
b when atmospheric gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation from earth
c when chlorofluorocarbons (cfcs) destroy the ozone layer
d when atmospheric gases absorb and re-emit shortwave radiation from the sun
e when clouds and earth’s surface reflect incoming solar radiation

Explanation:

• Option A: Greenhouse effect is natural (enhanced by humans), so A is wrong.
• Option B: Greenhouse gases absorb Earth's infrared (heat) radiation, re - emit it, warming the planet. This matches the greenhouse effect.
• Option C: CFCs destroying ozone is ozone depletion, not greenhouse effect.
• Option D: Greenhouse gases interact with Earth's long - wave (infrared) radiation, not sun's short - wave.
• Option E: Reflection of solar radiation is albedo, not greenhouse effect.

Answer:

B. When atmospheric gases absorb and re - emit infrared radiation from Earth