In the context of the greenhouse effect, which gases are primarily responsible for absorbing infrared radiation?

The correct choice highlights greenhouse gases as the primary substances responsible for absorbing infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, have molecular structures that allow them to trap heat in the atmosphere. When the Earth’s surface emits infrared radiation (heat) towards space, these gases absorb a significant portion of that radiation and re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards the Earth’s surface. This process is essential for maintaining the planet's temperature and is a key component of the greenhouse effect.

Understanding the role of greenhouse gases is crucial because their increased concentrations due to human activities—such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation—exacerbate the natural greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change. In contrast, other options mentioned, like ozone gases or noble gases, do not have the same effect, as ozone primarily absorbs ultraviolet radiation, while noble gases are inert and do not participate in chemical reactions that would allow them to absorb infrared radiation. Carbon gases, while they may seem relevant, do not refer specifically to the recognized greenhouse gases; instead, it is the broader category of greenhouse gases that encompasses all relevant compounds involved in this important atmospheric phenomenon.