Question

Which one of the following pairs of gases is the major cause of the greenhouse effect?
A. $C{{O}_{2}}$ and ${{O}_{3}}$
B. $C{{O}_{2}}$ and $CO$
C. $CFC$ and $S{{O}_{2}}$
D. $C{{O}_{2}}$ and ${{N}_{2}}O$

Answer 1

Hint: The word greenhouse effect can be defined as the radiation of the atmosphere which is trapped in the surface of the planet, increasing the temperature of the planet. The green-house gases which are also called radiatively active gases are responsible for the green-house effect to occur. The two major gases include trioxygen and the gas that is essential for photosynthesis.

Complete answer: The temperature of the atmosphere has increased more than the normal temperature due to greenhouse gases. These actively radiating gases called the green-house gases are trapped in the atmosphere which in turn increases the temperature of the atmosphere. Depending on the temperature of the atmosphere and the number of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect is determined. The greenhouse gases affect the climate of the planet as these gases act like a thick warm blanket which surrounds the atmosphere. 36-70% of water vapour, 9-26% of carbon dioxide, 4-9% of methane, and 3-7% of ozone is responsible for the greenhouse effect. Therefore, from all the options provided above, carbon dioxide and ozone gases are responsible for the major cause of the greenhouse effect.
So, option A is the correct answer.

Note: The green-house effect is accelerated mainly due to human activities, burning of fossil fuels, and clear-cutting of forests. Increased temperature of the planet is hazardous to all the known forms of life on the earth. Depletion of the ozone would lead to the penetration of harmful UV radiations.