TASC Physical Science Practice Exam

Which of the following gases is a greenhouse gas contributing to warming?

Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxygen Argon

Correct Answer:

Carbon Dioxide

Explanation:

Greenhouse gases trap heat by absorbing infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface. Carbon dioxide has vibrational modes that interact strongly with infrared light, so it absorbs heat and re-radiates it back toward the surface, warming the lower atmosphere and surface. Nitrogen and oxygen are abundant but their molecular structures don’t absorb infrared radiation effectively at the relevant wavelengths, so they don’t contribute much to greenhouse warming. Argon, a noble gas, is even less able to absorb infrared radiation. So, among these options, carbon dioxide is the gas that contributes to warming.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to TASC Physical Science Practice Exam for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions