which two gases have been added to Earth's atmosphere in large amounts and are believed to have increased global warming by absorbing infrared radiation?
1. neon and argon 2. chlorine and nitrogen 3. hydrogen and helium 4. methane and carbon dioxide
Nitrogen and chlorine
Which of the following gases was most likely present in earth's earliest atmosphere? nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, oxygen
The correct answer is 4. methane and carbon dioxide.
The two gases that have been added to Earth's atmosphere in large amounts and are believed to have increased global warming by absorbing infrared radiation are methane and carbon dioxide.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the concept of greenhouse gases and their role in global warming. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect. This effect ultimately leads to global warming.
Now, to determine which gases are responsible for this effect, we can eliminate options one, two, and three. Neon, argon, chlorine, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium are all naturally occurring gases that are present in the atmosphere in relatively stable amounts and do not significantly contribute to the greenhouse effect.
That leaves us with option four, methane and carbon dioxide. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are both potent greenhouse gases. Methane is primarily emitted during natural processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter and the digestive processes of animals. It is also released as a result of human activities, such as the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas.
Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is one of the most abundant greenhouse gases emitted by human activities. Its primary sources include the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and certain industrial processes.
Both methane and carbon dioxide absorb and trap infrared radiation, which leads to an increase in global temperatures. Consequently, these two gases are believed to be major contributors to the phenomenon of global warming.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 4: methane and carbon dioxide.