Which one among the following gases has the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP) ?
ASulphur dioxide (SO2)
BNitrous Oxide (N2O) ✓ Correct
CMethane (CH4)
DCarbon dioxide (CO2)
Correct answer: (B) Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Explanation
Among the listed gases nitrous oxide has by far the highest global warming potential.
Nitrous oxide traps heat roughly three hundred times more effectively than carbon dioxide over a century.
Methane is a strong greenhouse gas but its warming potential is well below that of nitrous oxide.
Carbon dioxide is the reference gas with a global warming potential defined as one.
Sulphur dioxide is not a greenhouse gas and actually has a slight cooling effect through aerosols.
Nitrous oxide comes largely from fertilizers and also lasts long in the atmosphere.
Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.
Practise on Mcqkart →🎓 Book an expert →