The emission of infrared radiation by the atmosphere results in the warming up of the surface of a planet. This process is called the greenhouse effect. In other words, certain gases in the atmosphere trap the solar energy so that the earth experiences a considerable rise in temperature. These gases include carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide etc. and they are known as green house gases. The absence of these gases will make the heat escape back into the space which will make life on earth impossible. Green houses make use of this mechanism.

Greenhouses are used to grow plants, especially in the winter. Most green houses resemble a small glass house. Here, it is the glass panel that plays the role of the greenhouse gases. The glass panels of a greenhouse allows the entrance of solar energy in the form of heat and light, but won’t let it escape. This raises the temperature inside the glass house and provides suitable atmosphere for the growth of the plants inside.

In the case of atmosphere, our earth receives energy from the sun. Once absorbed, this energy is sent back to the atmosphere. While doing so, a major portion of the energy gets absorbed by the greenhouse gases and warms up our planet. Green house effect, if enhanced considerably too can deny existence as it would heat up the earth than usual.

Greenhouse