Chapter 9: Problem 13
\(\mathbf{T} / \mathbf{F}:\) The atmospheric greenhouse effect occurs on Earth, Venus, and Mars.
Short Answer
Expert verified
True. The greenhouse effect occurs on Earth, Venus, and Mars.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a process by which certain gases in a planet's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warmer than it would be otherwise.
02
Determine if Earth Experiences the Effect
Earth has a significant greenhouse effect primarily due to the presence of greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
03
Check if Venus Experiences the Effect
Venus has a very strong greenhouse effect caused by its thick atmosphere, which is mostly composed of carbon dioxide and a small amount of water vapor. This results in very high surface temperatures.
04
Examine Mars for the Greenhouse Effect
Mars has a much thinner atmosphere compared to Earth and Venus, mostly composed of carbon dioxide. Although the effect is weaker than on Earth or Venus, Mars does still experience a form of the greenhouse effect.
05
Conclusion
Since the greenhouse effect is present on Earth, Venus, and Mars, it’s clear that all three planets experience this phenomenon to varying degrees.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
planetary atmospheres
Planets in our Solar System have various types of atmospheres. The atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding a planet, held in place by gravity. Each planet has a unique atmospheric composition and structure:
- Earth: Earth's atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with traces of other gases like argon and carbon dioxide.
- Venus: Venus's atmosphere is thick and primarily composed of carbon dioxide (about 96.5%), with clouds of sulfuric acid.
- Mars: Mars has a thin atmosphere, also composed mainly of carbon dioxide (about 95%), but in much smaller quantities compared to Venus.
greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases play a crucial role in regulating a planet's temperature. They trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. The primary greenhouse gases on different planets include:
- Water Vapor (H2O): The most abundant greenhouse gas on Earth, responsible for a significant part of the natural greenhouse effect.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Found in the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars. It is a powerful greenhouse gas and contributes to the global warming effect.
- Methane (CH4): Present in small quantities on Earth but highly effective in trapping heat.
- Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4}): Found in the thick clouds of Venus, contributing to its severe greenhouse effect.
comparative planetology
Comparative planetology is the study of planets by comparing their atmospheres, surfaces, structures, and other characteristics. By examining similarities and differences, scientists gain a better understanding of planetary formation and evolution. Here are some comparisons involving the greenhouse effect:
- Earth vs. Venus: Both planets have greenhouse gases, but Venus experiences a much stronger effect due to its thick CO2 atmosphere, leading to extreme surface temperatures.
- Earth vs. Mars: Mars also contains CO2, but its thin atmosphere results in a much weaker greenhouse effect, making it much colder than Earth.
- Venus vs. Mars: Despite both having CO2-rich atmospheres, their greenhouse effects differ vastly due to the difference in atmospheric pressure and thickness.