Loading...
UPSC 2012: The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs
(a)the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
(b)the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
(c)all the solar radiations
(d)the infrared part of the solar radiation
Attempt This Question
Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs infrared (long-wave) radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. It does not significantly absorb ultraviolet or visible light from the Sun. When the Earth absorbs solar energy and re-radiates it as infrared heat, CO₂ molecules in the atmosphere absorb this infrared radiation and re-emit it in all directions, trapping heat and raising atmospheric temperature. This is the fundamental mechanism of the greenhouse effect. Hence, option (d) is correct.
Related UPSC Questions
More from Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases
2012moderate
If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? 1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be me
2012moderate
The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be a
2011moderate
Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
Related Environment & Ecology Topics
2012Environmental Governance & Legislation
How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture? 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and
2012Environmental Governance & Legislation
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India? 1. Right to healt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2012 Environment & Ecology question?▼
The correct answer is option (d): the infrared part of the solar radiation. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2012, GS Paper 1, as Question 62. It falls under Environment & Ecology > Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "moderate". It requires sound conceptual understanding of the topic.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases?▼
UPSC has asked 34 questions from Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases (under Environment & Ecology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.