The _______ of greenhouse gas molecules affects the temperature of an atmosphere. a. percentage b. fraction c. number d. mass

The temperature of our atmosphere is influenced by various elements, but greenhouse gases play a crucial role. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), trap heat from the sun.
This heat gets absorbed and re-emitted back to the Earth's surface, leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect.
Without this natural process, our planet would be too cold to support life as we know it. However, human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase the concentration of these gases.
This leads to enhanced greenhouse effect, hence, raising the atmospheric temperature. The more greenhouse gases there are, the more heat gets trapped, causing the temperatures to rise.

The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is essential in determining its temperature. Concentration refers to the amount of a particular gas in a given volume of air.
It's often measured in parts per million (ppm) for gases like CO₂. When the concentration of greenhouse gases rises, it backs more heat, leading to higher atmospheric temperatures.
Imagine filling a room with more and more blankets; each added blanket represents additional greenhouse gases, making the room much hotter. In the context of the exercise, understanding that the 'fraction' or 'proportion' of these gases significantly impacts atmospheric temperature helps in identifying the correct answer.
It is not about their total count or weight but rather how prevalent they are in the air around us, forming the right ratio that traps heat efficiently.

Climate change is a significant long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns. While these changes can be natural, human activities are now the primary drivers.
The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, which increase their concentration in the atmosphere, trapping more heat. This leads to rising temperatures globally, also known as global warming.
The effects of climate change are widespread and can include more frequent extreme weather events, like hurricanes and droughts. It can also lead to melting ice caps and rising sea levels.
Addressing climate change requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and adopting renewable energy sources. These efforts can help stabilize atmospheric temperatures and curb the rate of climate change.