AP Environmental Science Flashcards: The Greenhouse Effect
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How does methane's GWP compare to that of carbon dioxide?
Methane has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide, which is the reference gas with a GWP of 1.
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How does methane's GWP compare to that of carbon dioxide?
Methane has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide, which is the reference gas with a GWP of 1.
Identify the chemical formula for carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
The chemical formula for carbon dioxide is CO2, and the formula for nitrous oxide is N2O.
List the five principal greenhouse gases mentioned in the text.
The five principal greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), nitrous oxide (N2O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
What is the primary role of the greenhouse effect for life on Earth?
The greenhouse effect results in the surface temperature necessary for life on Earth to exist by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Rank the following gases from highest to lowest GWP: methane, CFCs, nitrous oxide.
The ranking from highest to lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) is: CFCs, followed by nitrous oxide, and then methane.
Which greenhouse gas is used as the reference point for Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the reference point for comparing the potency of other greenhouse gases and has a GWP of 1.
If a factory releases 1 ton of methane and 1 ton of nitrous oxide, which emission has a greater warming impact based on GWP?
The 1 ton of nitrous oxide would have a greater warming impact because nitrous oxide has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than methane.
Define Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of a greenhouse gas's ability to trap heat in the atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide.
Which of the listed greenhouse gases has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP) among the principal greenhouse gases listed.
What are CFCs?
CFCs are chlorofluorocarbons, a class of potent greenhouse gases with the highest Global Warming Potential among the main gases mentioned.