This key facts covers Key Facts About the Greenhouse Effect 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 5 of 14 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📊 Key Facts About the Greenhouse Effect
- The natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth at +15°C instead of -18°C
- Main greenhouse gases: CO₂, CH₄ (methane), H₂O vapour, N₂O
- The Sun emits short-wave radiation (visible light, UV) that passes through the atmosphere
- Earth's surface absorbs this radiation and re-emits long-wave infrared radiation
- Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation, warming the atmosphere
- N₂ and O₂ are NOT greenhouse gases — they do not absorb infrared radiation
- The enhanced greenhouse effect is caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities
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.
Quick recall flashcards
What type of radiation does Earth emit?
Long-wave infrared radiation (heat)
What are the three main greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapour (H₂O)