Question 1: Explain in your own words what greenhouse gases are and their importance in the Earth's atmosphere.

Answer: Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat and maintaining the planet's temperature suitable for life.

Question 1: Describe how greenhouse gases contribute to the warming of the Earth's surface.

Answer: Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface and re-emit it in all directions, including back towards the surface, causing warming.

Question 2: Identify three common greenhouse gases and their chemical formulas.

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous oxide (N₂O).

Question 1: Calculate the mass of carbon dioxide emitted if 10 m³ of CO₂ at standard temperature and pressure (STP) is released. (Molar volume of gas at STP = 22.4 L/mol, atomic mass of carbon = 12 g/mol, atomic mass of oxygen = 16 g/mol).

Answer: Approximately 5,357 g or 5.36 kg.

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate how certain gases absorb infrared radiation. Include the variables involved and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment can involve exposing containers of different gases (e.g., CO₂, N₂, air) to infrared light and measuring the temperature change with a sensor. Variables include type of gas, infrared intensity, and exposure time. Safety precautions include handling gases in well-ventilated areas and avoiding inhalation of hazardous gases.

Question 1: A report states that methane has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Explain what GWP means and why methane's GWP is higher.

Answer: GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific period compared to CO₂. Methane's GWP is higher because it absorbs more infrared radiation per molecule, despite having a shorter atmospheric lifetime.

Question 1: Suggest two ways industries can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and explain how these methods work.

Answer: Industries can install carbon capture and storage systems to trap CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, and switch to renewable energy sources like wind or solar to reduce fossil fuel combustion.

Question 2: Discuss the impact of reducing methane emissions from livestock farming on global warming mitigation efforts.

Answer: Reducing methane emissions from livestock farming can significantly lower the overall greenhouse effect because methane has a high GWP. Implementing better manure management and dietary changes can decrease methane release, contributing to global warming mitigation.