Why Do Greenhouse Gases Affect Temperature?
- clim856
- Jan 5, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 11
The gas molecules found in the air include nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), argon (Ar), methane (CH4), and other trace gases. Each of these molecules is made of different atoms bonded together in different ways. Some interact with infrared radiation while others do not.
Use this interactive to explore how gas molecules in the atmosphere interact with infrared radiation, and how this relates to air temperature.
Copy the handout or get one from your teacher.
Use the interactive to complete Investigation 3 on your handout.
Test each molecule and observe how it interacts with infrared radiation.
Sort the molecules into those that do and those that do not interact with infrared radiation.
Be prepared to share your results and discuss the following questions:
How did the gases interact or not interact with infrared radiation?
Which type(s) of molecules affect air temperature? Explain how you think this happens.
Credits
Climate Education Pathways.
See the About the Data and Representations section in the interactive for more details.