Residence time is the amount of time in which a substance remains in a reservoir, such as the atmosphere. For example, the residence time of carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) in our atmosphere is more than 50,000 years. In contrast, carbon dioxide (CO2) has a residence time that is much shorter. Which statement best explains how the residence time of a substance affects the atmosphere?


A. Substances that have a longer residence time are more beneficial to the atmosphere.

B. Substances that have a shorter residence time make up a smaller portion of the atmosphere.

C. Substances that have a longer residence time will cycle faster through the atmosphere.

D. Substances that have a shorter residence time do not stay in the atmosphere as long.