Concept:
Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat radiated from the Earth’s surface and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
These gases absorb infrared radiation and increase the average temperature of the Earth.
Common greenhouse gases include:
• Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\))
• Methane (\(CH_4\))
• Nitrous oxide (\(N_2O\))
• Water vapor
• Ozone
Step 1: Analyze Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is one of the most important greenhouse gases.
It is released due to:
• Combustion of fossil fuels
• Industrial processes
• Deforestation
It strongly contributes to global warming.
Therefore:
\[
CO_2 \text{ is a greenhouse gas}
\]
Step 2: Analyze Methane
Methane is another powerful greenhouse gas.
Sources include:
• Agricultural activities
• Landfills
• Natural gas systems
Methane traps significantly more heat than carbon dioxide over short periods.
Hence:
\[
CH_4 \text{ is a greenhouse gas}
\]
Step 3: Analyze Nitrogen Oxide
Nitrogen oxide gases, especially nitrous oxide (\(N_2O\)), also contribute to greenhouse effect.
They are emitted from:
• Fertilizer use
• Combustion engines
• Industrial emissions
Thus:
\[
N_2O \text{ is a greenhouse gas}
\]
Step 4: Analyze Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas does not significantly absorb infrared radiation and therefore does not behave as a greenhouse gas under normal atmospheric conditions.
Hence:
\[
H_2 \text{ is not considered a greenhouse gas}
\]
Step 5: Final Conclusion
The gas which is not a greenhouse gas is:
\[
\boxed{\text{Hydrogen}}
\]
Therefore, the correct option is:
\[
\boxed{(D)}
\]