Which of the following gases is not responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Key Points

• Oxygen (O₂) is not a greenhouse gas as it does not have the ability to trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) are responsible for trapping heat and warming the planet.
• Oxygen is essential for life on Earth and plays a crucial role in respiration and combustion, but it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
• The primary greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone, which contribute to the natural greenhouse effect, maintaining Earth’s temperature.

Additional Information

• Greenhouse Effect:
  • The greenhouse effect is a natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and thereby warming the planet.
  • Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth's average temperature would be much colder, making it uninhabitable for most life forms.
• Greenhouse Gases:
  • Greenhouse gases (GHGs) include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), ozone (O₃), and fluorinated gases like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
  • These gases are capable of absorbing infrared radiation, leading to the warming of the atmosphere.
• Sources of Major Greenhouse Gases:
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Emissions primarily from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.
  • Methane (CH₄): Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, and also from livestock and other agricultural practices.
  • Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.