Need help on this multiple choice question, thanks!
Microscopic airborne particulates that reflect incoming solar radiation and thereby tend to cool the atmosphere are called:
a. CFCs
b. aerosols
c. greenhouse gases
d. indoor air pollutants
e. hazardous air pollutants
Thanks again!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerosol
Thanks Dr. Bob, appreciate it!
To determine the correct answer to the multiple-choice question, you can break down the question and analyze each option:
a. CFCs: CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are man-made compounds primarily known for their negative impact on the ozone layer. They are not typically associated with reflecting solar radiation or cooling the atmosphere. Therefore, option a is unlikely to be the correct answer.
b. Aerosols: Aerosols refer to small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. They can come from natural sources, such as dust and sea spray, or from human activities, such as industrial processes and burning fossil fuels. Aerosols can have different effects on the atmosphere, but some types of aerosols, known as "cooling aerosols," can reflect and scatter incoming solar radiation, leading to a cooling effect. This makes option b a potential correct answer.
c. Greenhouse gases: Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming. They do not generally reflect incoming solar radiation; instead, they absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. Therefore, option c is unlikely to be the correct answer.
d. Indoor air pollutants: Indoor air pollutants refer to contaminants present in indoor environments, such as homes, offices, and schools. While they can affect the air quality indoors, they are not directly related to reflecting solar radiation or cooling the atmosphere. Thus, option d is unlikely to be the correct answer.
e. Hazardous air pollutants: Hazardous air pollutants, also known as toxic air pollutants or air toxics, are specific substances that are known or suspected to cause serious health and environmental effects. They do not play a significant role in reflecting solar radiation or cooling the atmosphere. Therefore, option e is unlikely to be the correct answer.
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate answer to the question is b. aerosols, as they are microscopic airborne particulates that can reflect incoming solar radiation and tend to cool the atmosphere.