🌍 The Greenhouse Effect Mechanism
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) · 15 Questions · 29 Total Marks
Section A
The Gases
5 Questions
Section B
The Mechanism
5 Questions
Section C
Misconceptions
5 Questions
🔑 The 3-Mark Greenhouse Mechanism — Master Formula
MARK 1
Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit thermal energy
MARK 2
Thermal energy radiated from Earth's surface
MARK 3
Reducing thermal energy lost to space
Name the two main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
State one natural source of methane gas in the atmosphere.
State one human activity that has significantly increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Which property of greenhouse gas molecules allows them to interact with thermal (infrared) radiation?
State one consequence of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Describe how greenhouse gases cause global warming. [3 marks]
Explain why removing trees (deforestation) increases the rate of global warming. [3 marks]
A student writes: 'The greenhouse effect works exactly like the glass in a real greenhouse.' Evaluate this analogy — in what ways is it similar and in what ways is it scientifically inaccurate? [3 marks]
Explain why an increase in Earth's average temperature, even of just 2°C, could have serious global consequences. [2 marks]
The diagram shows the greenhouse mechanism. Identify what is represented by arrows X and Y.
A student states: 'Greenhouse gases trap the Sun's rays and stop sunlight from reaching Earth.' Explain why this statement is scientifically inaccurate. [2 marks]
A student says 'the greenhouse effect is caused by the hole in the ozone layer.' Identify the error in this statement.
Correct and rewrite the following student answer, which contains two errors: 'Methane is not important as a greenhouse gas because there is much less of it than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and it can only absorb UV radiation.' [2 marks]
Explain why nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂), which make up 99% of the atmosphere, are NOT greenhouse gases. [2 marks]
Some politicians argue that because the greenhouse effect is natural, increasing CO₂ from fossil fuels is not a concern. Evaluate this claim scientifically. [3 marks]
📊 Self-Assessment — How many marks did you earn?
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