Scientists theorize that an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide level might cause an increase in global temperatures. This theory is based on the fact that carbon dioxide is
a. good absorber of infrared radiation
b. poor absorber of infrared radiation
c. good reflector of ultraviolet radiation
d. poor reflector of ultraviolet radiation
CO2 reflects IR
So..is it considered a good or bad absorber of infrared radiation?
The correct answer is:
a. good absorber of infrared radiation
The correct answer is (a) good absorber of infrared radiation.
To explain how to arrive at this answer, we need to understand the greenhouse effect and the role of carbon dioxide in it. The greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere by certain gases, such as carbon dioxide.
When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some of it is absorbed, while the rest is reflected back into space. The absorbed sunlight is converted into heat, and the Earth then radiates this heat back into space as infrared radiation.
However, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide have the ability to absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation. They act like a blanket, trapping the heat within the atmosphere and preventing it from escaping back into space too quickly. This process results in a warming effect on the Earth's surface, known as the greenhouse effect.
Carbon dioxide is a good absorber of infrared radiation, particularly in the wavelength range of around 14-16 micrometers. This means that it can effectively capture and trap the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth. Therefore, an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels would intensify the greenhouse effect and potentially lead to a rise in global temperatures.
In summary, the theory that an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels might cause an increase in global temperatures is based on the fact that carbon dioxide is a good absorber of infrared radiation.