Topic 4: Unit-6

Question 1

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 1

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where greenhouse gases trap radiation and warm the air close to the earth to sustain life.

Question 2

Why is the greenhouse effect important for life on Earth?

Answer 2

It keeps the Earth’s temperature warm enough to support life by preventing heat from escaping into space.

Question 3

How does a physical greenhouse work?

Answer 3

A greenhouse allows radiation from the sun to enter through the glass, but prevents the escape of most heat energy. The air in the greenhouse becomes warmer than the surroundings as the glass traps heat and reduces airflow, keeping warm air inside. Greenhouse gases act like the glass of a greenhouse and trap heat.

Question 4

What are greenhouse gases?

Answer 4

gas molecules in the earth’s atmosphere that have 3 or more atoms

Question 5

Examples of greenhouse gases?

Answer 5

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), water vapour (H₂O)

Question 6

Why is carbon dioxide (CO₂) a major greenhouse gas?

Answer 6

CO₂ is produced by activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation and is the most significant contributor to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Question 7

What is methane (CH₄), and why is it important?

Answer 7

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas produced by livestock, agriculture, and landfills, and it traps more heat than CO₂, though in smaller amounts.

Question 8

Is water vapor a greenhouse gas?

Answer 8

Yes, water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas, naturally present in the atmosphere, and it amplifies the greenhouse effect through a positive feedback loop.

Question 9

How do human activities enhance the greenhouse effect?

Answer 9

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and deforestation, release excessive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect.

Question 10

What is global warming?

Answer 10

Global warming refers to the increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to the enhanced greenhouse effect from excessive greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 11

The 4 main causes of global warming

Answer 11

1) Fossil Fuels
2) Deforestation
3) Agriculture
4) Industrial Processes

Question 12

How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?

Answer 12

Burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) for energy releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Question 13

How does deforestation contribute to global warming?

Answer 13

Cutting down forests reduces the number of trees that absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere, leading to higher concentrations of carbon dioxide.

Question 14

How does agriculture contribute to global warming?

Answer 14

Agricultural practices, especially livestock farming, produce large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Question 15

Methane is released from:…

Answer 15

• Gas and oil industries
• Cow manure
• Decomposition of waste in landfills
• Decomposition in sewage plants

Question 16

How do industrial processes contribute to global warming?

Answer 16

Many industrial processes emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Question 17

The 4 impacts of Global warming

Answer 17

1) Climate Change
2) Rising sea levels
3) Food Shortages
4) Mass extinctions

Question 17

What is the connection between global warming and climate change?

Answer 17

Global warming causes changes in weather patterns, leading to more intense storms, droughts, and rising global temperatures, which are symptoms of climate change.

Question 18

How does global warming lead to food shortages?

Answer 18

Extreme weather and shifting climate patterns can reduce crop yields and disrupt global agricultural production, leading to food shortages.

Question 18

How does global warming cause rising sea levels?

Answer 18

Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers due to warmer temperatures, combined with thermal expansion of seawater, causes sea levels to rise.

Question 18

Why might global warming cause mass extinctions?

Answer 18

As habitats change rapidly due to climate change, many species cannot adapt or migrate fast enough, leading to extinction.

Question 19

What are alternative renewable energy sources?

Answer 19

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal provide clean energy without emitting greenhouse gases.

Question 20

How can energy efficiency help reduce global warming?

Answer 20

Using energy-efficient appliances and reducing energy waste in homes and businesses lowers the demand for fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 21

How can changes in transportation reduce global warming?

Answer 21

Using public transport, cycling, carpooling, or switching to electric vehicles reduces the burning of fossil fuels for transportation.

Question 21

How can the 3 R’s help combat global warming?

Answer 21

Reducing, reusing, and recycling materials helps conserve energy and reduce emissions from production and waste disposal.

Question 22

How does planting trees help reduce global warming?

Answer 22

Trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, acting as a carbon sink and helping to lower the concentration of greenhouse gases.

Question 23

How does reducing meat consumption help fight global warming?

Answer 23

Livestock farming produces large amounts of methane, so eating less meat can reduce the demand for livestock and lower methane emissions.

Question 24

What role do government policies play in reducing global warming?

Answer 24

Governments can impose carbon taxes, promote clean energy incentives, and establish emission reduction targets to combat global warming.

Question 25

What are some key international agreements aimed at reducing global warming?

Answer 25

The Paris Agreement is a major global accord that commits countries to limit global temperature rise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.