The GATE Grind

GATE 2023 CE (CE1) – Question 20

Air Pollution and Municipal Solid Wastes · Air pollution: pollutants, sources, impacts, control and air quality index · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which one of the following statements is TRUE for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) in the atmosphere?

  1. GHG absorbs the incoming short wavelength solar radiation to the earth surface, and allows the long wavelength radiation coming from the earth surface to pass through
  2. GHG allows the incoming long wavelength solar radiation to pass through to the earth surface, and absorbs the short wavelength radiation coming from the earth surface
  3. GHG allows the incoming long wavelength solar radiation to pass through to the earth surface, and allows the short wavelength radiation coming from the earth surface to pass through
  4. GHG allows the incoming short wavelength solar radiation to pass through to the earth surface, and absorbs the long wavelength radiation coming from the earth surface

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Correct answer: (D) GHG allows the incoming short wavelength solar radiation to pass through to the earth surface, and absorbs the long wavelength radiation coming from the earth surface

Explanation

Greenhouse gases are transparent to the incoming short-wave solar radiation but absorb (and re-emit) the long-wave infrared radiation from the warm earth surface, which traps heat.