What happens to infrared radiation released by the Earth if there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?(1 point)
Responses
It is absorbed and heats the atmosphere.
It is absorbed and heats the atmosphere.
It is converted to carbon dioxide.
It is converted to carbon dioxide.
It escapes and cools the atmosphere.
It escapes and cools the atmosphere.
It is converted to solar energy.
It is converted to solar energy.
It is absorbed and heats the atmosphere.
The correct answer is: It is absorbed and heats the atmosphere.
The correct answer is: It is absorbed and heats the atmosphere.
When there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it acts as a greenhouse gas. This means that it absorbs and traps the infrared radiation released by the Earth's surface. As more carbon dioxide molecules absorb the infrared radiation, the atmosphere becomes warmer. This process is known as the greenhouse effect. So, the infrared radiation released by the Earth is absorbed by the increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, resulting in the heating of the atmosphere.