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

Key Points

• Oxygen is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
• Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, have the ability to absorb infrared radiation and trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
• Oxygen (O₂) and nitrogen (N₂) make up the majority of the Earth's atmosphere but do not contribute to the greenhouse effect as they do not absorb significant infrared radiation.

Additional Information

• Greenhouse Gases:
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Emitted through natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions, as well as human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
  • Methane (CH₄): Produced by livestock digestion, rice cultivation, and the decay of organic waste in landfills.
  • Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Released from agricultural activities, industrial processes, and combustion of fossil fuels and biomass.
  • Water Vapor: The most abundant greenhouse gas, it amplifies the greenhouse effect but does not drive climate change directly.