Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere: 1. Soot 2. Sulphur hexafluoride 3. Water vapour Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?

examrobotsa's picture
Q: 89 (IAS/2010)
Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere:
1. Soot
2. Sulphur hexafluoride
3. Water vapour
Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,92,49,12,28,9,92

keywords: 

{'atmosphere': [1, 1, 4, 7], 'ambient atmosphere': [0, 0, 1, 1], 'water vapour': [0, 0, 1, 2], 'warming': [1, 0, 1, 2], 'sulphur': [0, 0, 0, 2]}

All three elements mentioned in the question contribute to the warming of the atmosphere and therefore, the correct answer is option 4.

1. Soot: It absorbs sunlight and warms up the atmosphere. Soot particles can also become embedded in snow and ice, reducing their reflectivity and increasing melt rates.

2. Sulphur Hexafluoride: It is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. It is over 23,000 times more warming than carbon dioxide (CO2). Even in small amounts, Sulphur Hexafluoride contributes significantly to global warming.

3. Water vapour: It is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in Earth’s climate. It traps heat from the sun and contributes to the warming of the Earth`s surface.

Each option only partially acknowledges these contributors, whereas option 4 correctly includes all three.