Re: [Phys-l] Greenhouse gases

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

Casting around for context, I recall that greenhouse gases attract that 
name by
acting like a blanket while passing light, and I recall the warnings 
that it is too easy to become sunburned on an overcast day.
On the basis of these possibly irrelevant, even doubtful data,
I need to vote for D

Brian W

Ken Fox wrote:
> 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?
>
> Thank you
>
> Ken Fox
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