Question

Identify the correct option showing the relative contribution of different green house gases to the total global warming.

• A. CFC-14%, CO₂-60%, Methane-6%, N₂O-20%.
• B. CFC-14%, CO₂-60%, Methane-20%, N₂O-6%.
• C. CFC-20%, CO₂-60%, Methane-14%, N₂O-6%.
• D. CFC-6%, CO₂-60%, Methane-20%, N₂O-14%.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Greenhouse Gases and Their Contribution
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) all contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Their contributions to global warming differ in terms of their potency and abundance.

Step 2: The Contribution Breakdown
Based on scientific studies, the approximate contributions to global warming are:

• CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide): About 60% of the total contribution to global warming.
• CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons): Approximately 14% of the total contribution, though they are much more potent than CO₂.
• Methane (CH₄): Contributes around 6% to 20%, being a potent greenhouse gas, especially in terms of heat retention.
• N₂O (Nitrous Oxide): Accounts for roughly 6% to 20%, with a significant warming potential but less than CO₂.

The correct answer is (B) : CFC-14%, CO₂-60%, Methane-20%, N₂O-6%.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: (B) CFC-14%, CO₂-60%, Methane-20%, N₂O-6%.

The relative contribution of different greenhouse gases to global warming is based on their ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, known as their "global warming potential" (GWP). The contribution of each gas is influenced not only by its concentration in the atmosphere but also by its GWP and the length of time it remains in the atmosphere.

The correct distribution of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming is as follows:

• CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons): 14% – Although their concentration is relatively low, CFCs have a very high GWP and contribute significantly to ozone depletion and global warming.
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): 60% – CO₂ is the most significant greenhouse gas, primarily produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It is responsible for the largest share of global warming.
• Methane (CH₄): 20% – Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a much higher GWP than CO₂, although it has a shorter atmospheric lifetime.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): 6% – Nitrous oxide is produced from agricultural activities, industrial processes, and combustion of fossil fuels. It has a high GWP but is less prevalent than CO₂ and methane.

Thus, the option with CFCs contributing 14%, CO₂ 60%, Methane 20%, and N₂O 6% is the correct representation of their relative contributions to global warming.