Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the appropriate answer from the options given below:

Which gas is transparent to incoming solar radiation and opaque to terrestrial radiations?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Oxygen

  3. Carbon dioxide

  4. Helium

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Carbon dioxide is transparent to incoming shortwave solar radiation but absorbs and re-emits longwave terrestrial (infrared) radiation. This selective absorption is the fundamental mechanism of the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere while allowing sunlight to reach Earth's surface. Nitrogen and oxygen, which comprise most of the atmosphere, do not have this property.

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