Question

Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?
A. $C{O_2}$
B. sulphur dioxide
C. methane
D. nitrogen

Answer 1

Hint: The term greenhouse effect had its origin from the practice of encasing vegetation in glass chambers to protect them from frost particularly in the cold countries. It was observed that there was a continuous rise in the temperature in such chambers even when the outside temperature remains low.

Complete answer:
Atmosphere around the earth acts like a glass of the green house chamber. The gases present in the atmosphere which cause greenhouse are referred to as greenhouse gases the various greenhouse gases are:
$C{O_2}$, chlorofluorocarbons and oxides of nitrogen.
The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere form a thick cover around the earth. The earth receives a large amount of the energy from the sun. The infrared radiations coming from the sun are not absorbed by atmospheric gases. The earth absorbs these infrared radiations of short wavelength as a result of this the temperature of earth stands rising. Eventually, earth starts emitting infrared radiations of a longer wavelength. The partially radiated infrared radiations from the earth are absorbed by the $C{O_2}$. This heating of the atmosphere due to $C{O_2}$ and oxides of nitrogen.
All these gases are emitted from the plants whether during decay or while processing its biological carbon cycle.

Hence from the above options nitrogen is not a greenhouse gas and the correct option is D.

Note: Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste, as well as during treatment of wastewater. Warm atmosphere helps in biodegradation of dead plants and animals.