Question 1: Define global warming in your own words.

Answer: Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the enhanced greenhouse effect caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Question 2: Name two major greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄).

Question 3: Explain the greenhouse effect mechanism that leads to global warming.

Answer: Greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping into space. This process warms the atmosphere and surface, leading to an overall increase in global temperatures.

Question 1: If the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere increases from 400 ppm to 420 ppm, what is the percentage increase?

Answer: 5%

Question 2: Using the formula for radiative forcing ΔF = 5.35 * ln(C / C₀), where C is the current CO₂ concentration and C₀ is the pre-industrial level (280 ppm), calculate the radiative forcing when C = 420 ppm.

Answer: ΔF ≈ 5.35 * ln(420 / 280) ≈ 5.35 * 0.5108 ≈ 2.74 W/m²

Question 3: If the current global surface temperature is 15°C, and the radiative forcing causes an estimated temperature increase of 1.2°C per W/m², what is the expected temperature rise due to the current radiative forcing of 2.74 W/m²?

Answer: Expected increase ≈ 2.74 W/m² * 1.2°C/W/m² ≈ 3.29°C

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to measure the effect of increased greenhouse gases on temperature. Include variables, control, and safety precautions.

Answer: Students could use sealed containers with different concentrations of CO₂ or CH₄, measure temperature changes with a thermometer or data logger over time, keep all other variables constant, and ensure proper ventilation and handling of gases to maintain safety.

Question 2: Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and one control variable in the above experiment.

Answer: Independent variable: concentration of greenhouse gases. Dependent variable: temperature change. Control variable: volume of container, type of container, and ambient conditions.

Question 1: A study reports that doubling the atmospheric CO₂ concentration results in approximately a 3°C increase in global temperature. Explain the significance of this finding for understanding global warming.

Answer: This indicates a direct relationship between CO₂ levels and global temperature rise, demonstrating the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change.

Question 1: Discuss two technological solutions that industries can implement to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer: Industries can adopt carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to trap CO₂ emissions or switch to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Question 2: Which of the following is a primary cause of increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Answer: Increased solar activity