Question

electromagnetic waves from the sun include visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. construct an explanation for why earths atmosphere allows some of these waves to pass through while blocking others.
the atmosphere randomly blocks some waves while allowing others to pass through
all waves pass through equally, but our eyes can only detect visible light
the atmosphere contains molecules that absorb specific wavelengths based on their atomic structure
the atmosphere has no effect on electromagnetic waves

Explanation:

• The first option is incorrect because the atmosphere does not block waves randomly. The interaction is based on the properties of the waves and the atmospheric molecules.
• The second option is wrong as not all waves pass through equally. For example, most ultraviolet radiation is blocked by the ozone layer, and some infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases.
• The third option is correct. Atmospheric molecules (like ozone, CO₂, H₂O) have specific atomic/molecular structures that allow them to absorb certain wavelengths. For instance, ozone absorbs UV, CO₂ and H₂O absorb infrared, while visible light mostly passes through.
• The fourth option is incorrect because the atmosphere clearly affects electromagnetic waves (e.g., blocking UV, absorbing infrared).

Answer:

C. The atmosphere contains molecules that absorb specific wavelengths based on their atomic structure