I am not at all sure what the mechanism for the process in this question is.
This comes from a recent IB Physics exam, aimed at a Honors HS or early
college level student. I'd like to be able to explain it on that level.
Greenhouse gases
A reflect IR radiation but absorb UV radiation.
B reflect UV radiation but absorb IR radiation
C transmit IR radiation but absorb UV radiation
D transmit UV radiation but absorb IR radiation
I apparently don't know what happens to photons when they interact with any
kind of material, (metals, dielectrics or gases) to ultimately just be
absorbed, transmitted or reflected. Is there a brief answer?