The greenhouse effect | Physics | Khan Academy

Earth receives a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun which peaks in the visible range. Some of this light makes it to Earth's surface and is absorbed. The absorbed light is converted to thermal vibrations of charged particles, which then radiate infrared light. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor) absorb the infrared light and then re-emit it in random directions. Some escapes to space, and some remains trapped in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm enough to be habitable. However, human activities are increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and are thereby affecting Earth's climate system. Solutions to this problem include solar, wind, and nuclear energy, which do not emit greenhouse gases during operation. 00:00 - Intro 00:44 - Greenhouse effect overview 05:05 - Solar spectrum at the top and bottom of atmosphere 07:59 - Why do greenhouse gases absorb infrared light? 11:21 - Increasing greenhouse gases and climate change ------------------ Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy has been translated into dozens of languages, and 15 million people around the globe learn on Khan Academy every month. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we would love your help! Donate here: https://www.khanacademy.org/donate?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=desc Volunteer here: https://www.khanacademy.org/contribute?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=desc