The burning of fossil fuels releases ___________ gas, which builds up in the atmosphere and traps heat in. aoxygen bmethane ccarbon dioxide dnitrogen

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify which gas is released by the burning of fossil fuels.
2. Understand the role of this gas in the atmosphere regarding heat trapping.

Relevant Concepts

• Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are primarily carbon-based.
• The combustion of these fuels typically produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Analysis and Detail

1. Combustion of Fossil Fuels: When fossil fuels are burned, the carbon in the fuel combines with oxygen from the air to produce CO₂.
2. Greenhouse Effect: Carbon dioxide is significant because it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Verify and Summarize

• Given the options provided:
  • a) oxygen - not released in significant quantities by combustion.
  • b) methane - typically produced from biological processes, not directly from fossil fuel burning.
  • c) carbon dioxide - the main product of burning fossil fuels.
  • d) nitrogen - inert gas, not produced from burning fossil fuels.

Final Answer

The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide gas, which builds up in the atmosphere and traps heat in.