Describe what the greenhouse effect is and how it is caused on a molecular level.

Solar energy absorbed at Earth’s surface is radiated back into the atmosphere as heat. As the heat makes its way through the atmosphere and back out to space, greenhouse gases absorb much of it. Why do greenhouse gases absorb heat? Greenhouse gases are more complex than other gas molecules in the atmosphere, with a structure that can absorb heat. They radiate the heat back to the Earth's surface, to another greenhouse gas molecule, or out to space.

There are several different types of greenhouse gases. The major ones are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gas molecules all are made of three or more atoms. The atoms are held together loosely enough that they vibrate when they absorb heat. Eventually, the vibrating molecules release the radiation, which will likely be absorbed by another greenhouse gas molecule. This process keeps heat near the Earth’s surface. Most of the gas in the atmosphere is nitrogen and oxygen, which cannot absorb heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Explanation:

on passing the small ampere of electric current through the tube made of ar and hg of cfl generates uv rays which excites the fluorescent and thus emits the high radiation by consumption of just 5- 12 w in comparison to incandescent light which requires more power such as around 40 - 55 w to lighten.

moreover the life span of fluorescent or cfl is around 8000 h whereas the life span of incandescent is around 1200 h

hence, the building installed with incandescent lights bears more electricity bill.