Quantum Physics behind the greenhouse effect.

In summary, the conversation discusses the greenhouse effect and how heat is absorbed and reflected by the Earth and the atmosphere. It also mentions the relationship between these processes and quantum physics, with the absorption and emission being described by quantum mechanics. However, reflection is not a part of the greenhouse effect.
  • #1
avito009
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I read that when heat passes through the glass of a greenhouse it gets absorbed by the Earth inside the greenhouse. The Earth reflects this heat but these rays are of longer wavelength so it bounces off the glass and inturn heats the greenhouse more. Now the heat coming from the sun is also absorbed by the Earth and it reflects the heat of a longer wavelength. This longer wavelenth heat cannot pass through the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and is in turn reflected.
just like the green house.

How does all this relate to quantum physics?
 
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  • #2
avito009 said:
I read that when heat passes through the glass of a greenhouse it gets absorbed by the Earth inside the greenhouse. The Earth reflects this heat but these rays are of longer wavelength so it bounces off the glass and inturn heats the greenhouse more. Now the heat coming from the sun is also absorbed by the Earth and it reflects the heat of a longer wavelength. This longer wavelenth heat cannot pass through the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and is in turn reflected.
just like the green house.

How does all this relate to quantum physics?

The absorption and emission are quantum processes.

You can find out more here: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mod5.html

Reflection is different. The entire process of the Greenhouse effect, which you describe doesn't involve reflection, only absorption and emission. The CO2 absorbs and re-emits light, rather than reflecting it, as in the case of glass.
 
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  • #3
I agree that absorption and emission can be described by quantum mechanics, but that would be like trying to understand how a car works by quantum mechanics. Why would you do that when classical physics works better with less uncertainty? o_O
 

Related to Quantum Physics behind the greenhouse effect.

1. What is quantum physics and how does it relate to the greenhouse effect?

Quantum physics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles on a very small scale, such as atoms and subatomic particles. The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, causing the planet to warm. Quantum physics is relevant to the greenhouse effect because it helps us understand the behavior of these gases and how they interact with radiation from the sun.

2. How does the absorption and emission of radiation by greenhouse gases work in the context of quantum physics?

In quantum physics, atoms and molecules can absorb and emit radiation in discrete packets of energy called photons. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, have specific energy levels that correspond to the wavelengths of radiation they can absorb and emit. When these gases absorb radiation from the sun, they gain energy and heat up, which contributes to the warming of the Earth.

3. How does the concept of quantum tunneling play a role in the greenhouse effect?

Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon where particles can pass through a barrier even if they do not have enough energy to do so based on classical physics. In the context of the greenhouse effect, this means that greenhouse gases can absorb and emit radiation even when the energy levels do not exactly match. This allows these gases to absorb more radiation than they would be able to using classical physics, making them more effective at trapping heat.

4. What role do quantum fluctuations play in the greenhouse effect?

Quantum fluctuations refer to the random and temporary changes in energy and position of particles on a very small scale. In the context of the greenhouse effect, these fluctuations can cause temporary increases in the energy of greenhouse gases, allowing them to absorb more radiation and contribute to the warming of the Earth.

5. How does the Heisenberg uncertainty principle relate to the greenhouse effect?

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. This principle is relevant to the greenhouse effect because it means that we cannot predict the exact behavior of greenhouse gases at a molecular level. This uncertainty makes it difficult to accurately model and predict the effects of these gases on the Earth's climate.

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