Greenhouse Effect

Describe the greenhouse effect by explaining the specific interaction between radiation and matter.

Recall that different substances can absorb, transmit, or reflect electromagnetic waves depending on their wavelength.

Explain how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere maintain Earth's temperatures at levels capable of supporting life.

Describe the mechanism by which short-wavelength radiation from the Sun passes through the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, while outgoing long-wavelength radiation from the Earth's surface is absorbed by greenhouse gases.

Identify water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane as key greenhouse gases that increase the absorption of outgoing long-wavelength radiation, leading to a temperature increase.

Interpret and draw accurate diagrams to describe and model the greenhouse effect.