Question:medium

Which gas contributes most to the natural greenhouse effect?

Show Hint

Major greenhouse gases: \[ \boxed{ \text{H}_2\text{O} \gt \text{CO}_2 \gt \text{CH}_4 \gt \text{N}_2\text{O} } \] Water vapour contributes the most to the natural greenhouse effect.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Methane
  • Water vapour
  • Nitrous oxide
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: List the natural greenhouse gases and their abundance.
Water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide all absorb infrared radiation and warm the atmosphere naturally.
Step 2: Compare their relative concentrations.
Water vapour is by far the most abundant of these gases in the atmosphere, since evaporation from oceans and land constantly replenishes it.
Step 3: Weigh abundance against individual strength.
Even though carbon dioxide and methane matter a great deal, water vapour's sheer quantity makes its overall contribution to the natural greenhouse effect the largest.
\[ \boxed{\text{Water vapour}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0