What happens to infrared radiation released by the Earth if there is an increase level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
When there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it causes a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. This effect occurs because carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space.
Infrared radiation, which is a form of heat energy, is released by the Earth's surface and atmosphere as a result of absorption of solar radiation. Typically, a significant portion of this infrared radiation would be able to escape into space. However, when there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it acts as a greenhouse gas that absorbs and re-emits some of the outgoing infrared radiation.
The presence of carbon dioxide molecules absorbs and redirects the infrared radiation back towards the Earth's surface, causing a warming effect. This trapped heat contributes to the increase in global temperatures and drives climate change.
Therefore, as the level of carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere, more infrared radiation is trapped, leading to an overall warming of the planet. This is why the excessive release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is a significant contributor to global warming and climate change.