Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation. Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
- BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
- CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
- DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correctCorrect
Explanation
Statement-I is incorrect. The atmosphere is heated more by terrestrial radiation (longwave radiation) emitted from the Earth's surface than by incoming solar radiation (shortwave radiation). Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, allow most of the incoming solar radiation to pass through but absorb and re-emit a significant portion of the outgoing longwave terrestrial radiation, thereby warming the atmosphere. This process is crucial for maintaining Earth's temperature.
Statement-II is correct. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (such as methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor) are indeed very effective absorbers of longwave terrestrial radiation. This property is fundamental to the greenhouse effect, which keeps the Earth habitable. Without these gases, the Earth's surface would be much colder.
Therefore, Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
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