Question:easy

Which kind of light energy is effectively absorbed by \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) in the lower boundary of the Troposphere?

Show Hint

Greenhouse gases such as \[ \boxed{\mathrm{CO_2},\ \mathrm{CH_4},\ \mathrm{H_2O}} \] primarily absorb \[ \boxed{\text{Infra-red (IR) radiation}} \] and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • Visible light
  • Ultra-violet rays
  • X-rays
  • Infra-red rays
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Compare the wavelengths in the options.
Visible light, ultraviolet and X-rays are all short wavelength, high energy radiation, while infra-red is longer wavelength, low energy thermal radiation.
Step 2: Think about how $\mathrm{CO_2}$ absorbs energy.
The Earth's surface, warmed by the sun, re-radiates energy back out mostly as long wave infra-red radiation, and the bending and stretching vibrations of the $\mathrm{CO_2}$ molecule happen to resonate at exactly these infra-red frequencies.
Step 3: Connect this to the greenhouse effect.
This resonant absorption is what traps outgoing heat near the Earth's surface, so the radiation strongly absorbed by $\mathrm{CO_2}$ near the ground is infra-red.
\[ \boxed{\text{Infra-red rays}} \]
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