What process involves greenhouse gases trapping outgoing long-wave radiation from the Earth?

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap outgoing long-wave radiation. When solar energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back into space, and some is absorbed, warming the planet. The Earth then emits this energy as infrared radiation, or long-wave radiation, back into space. However, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor absorb and re-radiate some of this outgoing radiation, preventing it from escaping fully into space. This process leads to an increase in atmospheric temperature, which is crucial for maintaining the warmth necessary for life on Earth.

The other options relate to different, but connected, concepts. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change encompasses the broader changes in climate patterns resulting from global warming and other factors. However, the specific process of greenhouse gases capturing long-wave radiation is accurately described by the greenhouse effect.