Which of the following is not a Green House Gas? (A) CO (B) CFC (C) CH4 (D) N2O
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
CO or Carbon Monoxide is not a greenhouse gas. A greenhouse gas is a gas that is present in our environment to trap the heat released by the sun and warm the planet. Greenhouse gases contain different chemical properties and tend to be removed by the environment over time through different natural processes.
The greenhouse gases also result in pollution as they tend to contaminate the surrounding environment. Some examples of greenhouse gases are Carbon dioxide, Methane, sulphur dioxide, and Chlorofluorocarbon.
Table of content
Greenhouse Gases
The gases that emit radiant energy within the thermal infrared range which cause the greenhouse effect are referred to as greenhouse gases. The concentration of greenhouse gases is rising at a rapid rate in the environment. Due to its increase, the temperature would rise resulting in global warming. These elements are also known as Carbon-Sinks because of their work. Ozone is considered a greenhouse gas when found in the atmosphere. Otherwise, it is very helpful if it is present in the ozone layer.
The main greenhouse gases are as follows:
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrous Oxide
- Methane
- Water Vapour
- Fluorinated gases (Synthetic)
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- Ozone
Why CO is not a Greenhouse Gas?
Carbon Monoxide or CO is not a Greenhouse gas as it does not absorb enough heat around it. It does not have a direct effect on climate change. Carbon dioxide is a type of greenhouse gas; others include methane, water vapour, nitrous oxide, CFCs, and ozone.
The greenhouse gases‘ values for radiation absorption are as follows:
| Gas | Value of absorption in percentage |
| Ozone | 10.2% |
| Methane | 16.3% |
| Carbon dioxide | 56.4% |
| Nitro Oxide | 5.4% |
Among the principal greenhouse gases are:
- Water vapour – causes about 36% – 70% of the greenhouse effect
- Carbon dioxide (CO) causes 9 – 26%
- Methane (CH ) causes 4 – 9%
- Ozone (O)
- Nitrous Oxide
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Greenhouse Effect
The atmosphere of the earth absorbs solar energy and allows it to gently radiate, providing a warm blanket for our planet. This is how the Greenhouse Effect works naturally to keep the earth’s temperature stable and make it ideal for life.
Global Warming
The natural greenhouse equilibrium may be upset if greenhouse gas levels cross a critical threshold, causing the earth’s temperature to continuously rise by absorbing solar heat. The overall result of this is global warming.
As is clear from the description above, Greenhouse Gases cause much of climate change by absorbing & emitting the surrounding thermal energy, within the thermal infrared range, resulting in the Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming.
Related Questions:
