Question:medium

Which greenhouse gas has very high heat-trapping ability per molecule, but is present in the smallest amount in the atmosphere?

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Relative heat-trapping ability (Global Warming Potential): \[ \boxed{ \text{CFCs} \gt \text{N}_2\text{O} \gt \text{CH}_4 \gt \text{CO}_2 } \] CFCs have very high GWP despite their low atmospheric concentration.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Chlorofluorocarbons
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Separate the two properties being compared.
The question asks about heat trapping ability per molecule and atmospheric abundance, which are two different things.
Step 2: Check where CFCs stand on each.
Chlorofluorocarbons are present in only trace, parts per trillion level concentrations in the atmosphere, yet each molecule absorbs infrared radiation very strongly, giving CFCs a global warming potential thousands of times that of carbon dioxide.
Step 3: Compare with the other gases.
Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are all present in far larger amounts than CFCs, so they do not fit the low abundance clue.
\[ \boxed{\text{Chlorofluorocarbons}} \]
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