Which of the following gases is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas?
Nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide directly absorb outgoing thermal infrared radiation. Molecular hydrogen is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas. It can still…
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Which of the following gases is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer C
Nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide directly absorb outgoing thermal infrared radiation. Molecular hydrogen is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas. It can still affect warming indirectly by changing atmospheric chemistry, including the lifetime of methane.
Option feedback
Option A
Incorrect. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent primary greenhouse gas listed under the UNFCCC/Kyoto Protocol.
Option B
Incorrect. Methane (CH₄) is a major primary greenhouse gas that strongly absorbs outgoing thermal infrared radiation.
Option C
Correct. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas, although it can affect atmospheric warming indirectly.
Option D
Incorrect. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas responsible for trapping terrestrial infrared radiation.
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