GradeGen

A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs long-wavelength infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. Examples include water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane.

A gas that absorbs radiation emitted by the Earth and re-radiates energy, helping to warm the surface and atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and methane are examples.

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, absorb some of this outgoing radiation and re-radiate energy in different directions, including back towards the surface. This natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm enough to support life.

State which radiation is absorbed by which material: the Earth's surface absorbs incoming short-wavelength radiation; greenhouse gases absorb outgoing long-wavelength infrared radiation.

Use ‘absorb and re-emit’, not ‘reflect’, to describe how greenhouse gases interact with infrared radiation.

Define a carbon footprint using both ‘other greenhouse gases’ and ‘full life cycle’, not just carbon dioxide released during use.

A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth, helping to keep the surface and lower atmosphere warm.

A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs outgoing infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide and methane are examples.

An atmospheric gas that absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth and subsequently releases energy. Examples include carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour.

Increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases strengthens this warming process: this is the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse gas

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy · 8464

Exam tips

Revise Combined Science with GradeGen

Edexcel GCSE Combined Science · 1SC0