- 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
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.
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)