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Climate change (atmospheric gases): Which of the following is <em>not</em> considered a greenhouse gas? Identify the gas that does not significantly absorb outgoing infrared radiation of Earth's surface. Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Oxygen (O₂)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Methane (CH₄)
Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Correct Answer: Oxygen (O₂)

Explanation:

Given data

Ask: Gas that is not a greenhouse gas (GHG).

Concept/Approach
Greenhouse gases absorb IR radiation (have strong IR-active vibrational modes). Major GHGs include CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, H₂O vapor, O₃, and CFCs. Diatomic homonuclear gases like O₂ and N₂ are largely IR-inactive and not significant GHGs.

Final Answer
Oxygen (O₂)

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