Question

Arrange the following greenhouse gases in decreasing order of their contribution to global warming:

• A. B, A, D, C
• B. B, D, C, A
• C. D, B, C, A
• D. B, D, A, C

Hint:

For greenhouse gas contribution questions, \(CO_2\) is usually placed first because it is the major contributor to global warming due to its large emission and concentration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Different gases contribute differently depending on their concentration, heat-trapping ability, and lifetime in the atmosphere.

Step 1: Understand decreasing order.
Decreasing order means arranging from the highest contribution to the lowest contribution. \[ \text{Decreasing order} = \text{Maximum contribution} \rightarrow \text{Minimum contribution} \]

Step 2: Identify the major greenhouse gas contribution.
Carbon dioxide \((CO_2)\) is the largest contributor to global warming among the listed gases because of its large concentration and continuous emission from fossil fuel burning. \[ CO_2 \rightarrow \text{Highest contribution} \]

Step 3: Arrange the remaining gases.
CFCs have very high heat-trapping capacity.
Methane is also a strong greenhouse gas but its overall contribution is less than carbon dioxide and CFCs in this order.
Nitrogen oxides have comparatively lower contribution among the given options. Thus, the correct decreasing order is: \[ CO_2 \rightarrow CFCs \rightarrow Methane \rightarrow NO_2 \] Using letters: \[ B, D, C, A \]