AP Environmental Science

Category - AP Environmental Science

Per molecule, which of the following greenhouse gases has the greatest heat-trapping ability?
  1. Water vapor
  2. Chlorofluorocarbon
  3. Carbon dioxide
  4. Methane
Explanation
Answer: B - Per molecule, chlorofluorocarbon is the greenhouse gas that has the greatest heat-trapping ability.

Key Takeaway: The major factor in the depletion of the ozone layer has been human-created molecules called chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). Also known as Freon, CFC was invented in 1928 and was long-thought to be completely nontoxic, nonflammable, and chemically inert. And most importantly, CFC was cheap. Thus, CFC was used in air conditioners, aerosol cans, and refrigerators. CFC atoms are incredibly stable and remain in the atmosphere for a long time, trapping heat and reducing the ozone layer.
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