Certainly! Let's analyze the given options to determine the two major greenhouse gases.
A. [tex]\(NO\)[/tex] and [tex]\(NO_2\)[/tex]:
- [tex]\(NO\)[/tex] (Nitric oxide) and [tex]\(NO_2\)[/tex] (Nitrogen dioxide) are indeed atmospheric gases, but they are not the major greenhouse gases. While they do contribute to air pollution and have roles in forming smog and acid rain, they are not the primary contributors to the greenhouse effect.
B. [tex]\(CH_2O\)[/tex] and [tex]\(CO\)[/tex]:
- [tex]\(CH_2O\)[/tex] (Formaldehyde) and [tex]\(CO\)[/tex] (Carbon monoxide) are also atmospheric pollutants. Formaldehyde is used in various industrial applications and carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion. However, neither of these gases are considered major greenhouse gases.
C. [tex]\(CO_2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]:
- [tex]\(CO_2\)[/tex] (Carbon dioxide) and [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex] (Methane) are well-known major greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes. Methane is released from agricultural practices, landfill emissions, and natural gas production. Both of these gases have significant contributions to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
D. [tex]\(O_2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(H_2O\)[/tex]:
- [tex]\(O_2\)[/tex] (Oxygen) is essential for life but is not a greenhouse gas. [tex]\(H_2O\)[/tex] (Water vapor) does contribute to the greenhouse effect, but the primary focus when discussing major greenhouse gases typically refers to carbon dioxide and methane.
Given these explanations, the correct answer is:
C. [tex]\(CO_2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]
These two gases are the major contributors to the greenhouse effect, thus making them the two major greenhouse gases.
