Greenhouse effect: The process by which greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb long-wave infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface and re-emit it, warming the lower atmosphere and surface.
Greenhouse gas: A gas that absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Main examples: CO₂, CH₄ (methane), H₂O vapour, N₂O (nitrous oxide).
Enhanced greenhouse effect: The intensification of the natural greenhouse effect due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases from human activities, causing additional warming of the Earth.
Infrared radiation: Long-wave electromagnetic radiation emitted by warm objects. It is what we perceive as heat radiation.
Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases, especially CO₂, produced by an individual, organisation, or activity, measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
This definitions covers Key Definitions within Greenhouse Effect for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Greenhouse Effect in Atmosphere for GCSE Chemistry with 25 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 8 of 14 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Practice questions for Greenhouse Effect
Which of these gases is NOT a greenhouse gas?
Explain why the natural greenhouse effect is important for life on Earth.