What type of radiation is re-radiated back into the atmosphere and trapped by greenhouse gases?

Infra-red radiation is the type of radiation that is re-radiated back into the atmosphere and trapped by greenhouse gases. When the Earth's surface absorbs solar energy, it warms up and emits this energy back into the atmosphere in the form of infra-red radiation. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, have the ability to absorb and re-radiate this infra-red radiation, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. This process helps to keep the Earth's atmosphere warm enough to sustain life.

In contrast, the other types of radiation listed do not partake in this re-radiation process in the same way. Ultra-violet radiation primarily comes from the sun and is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, reducing its impact on the Earth's surface. Visible light, which is part of the solar spectrum, is used by plants for photosynthesis and does not play a role in the greenhouse effect. X-ray radiation, having much higher energy and shorter wavelengths, is not involved in the Earth's atmospheric processes related to temperature regulation. Understanding why infra-red radiation is crucial in this context helps clarify the significance of greenhouse gases in climate change discussions.