AIPMT PRELIMS 2002 Physics Electromagnetic Radiation MCQ Question

The greenhouse effect is primarily caused by infrared rays, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Earth after it absorbs sunlight. When sunlight reaches the Earth, it is mostly absorbed by the surface, warming it. The Earth then emits this energy back into the atmosphere in the form of infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap some of this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space and thereby warming the atmosphere. This process is essential for maintaining the Earth's temperature. In contrast, ultraviolet rays (B) and X-rays (C) have much higher energy and do not significantly contribute to the greenhouse effect. Radio waves (D) are also not involved in this process as they have much longer wavelengths and lower energy than infrared rays.