Climate Change Toolkit: How Many Molecules Make a Trace Gas?
Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution|Published on: July 21, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Worksheets
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- The purpose of this worksheet is to help students understand that even though carbon dioxide is a "trace gas" in the atmosphere, there are still many molecules of it present, even in a small space like a water bottle.
- This worksheet addresses the question, "How many molecules of carbon dioxide are in a one-liter bottle of air at standard pressure and temperature?"
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The single calculation in this activity helps students visualize and conceptualize the amount of carbon dioxide molecules present in a given space.
- Students use real data from the Mauna Loa Observatory to discover carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere and they apply that information to answer the questions.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the Ideal Gas Law.
- Students should be able to solve equations and complete conversions with multiple fractions.
- Students should be able to plug variables into equations and calculate unknowns using multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
Differentiation
- Consider having students work in pairs if they are intimidated by solving the equation.
- Bring in a bottle for display. Have students make predictions about the amount of carbon dioxide in the bottle before completing the worksheet.
- This experiment from the same organization can be used in combination with this calculation worksheet to help students understand the warming effects of carbon dioxide.
- Additional resources to pair with the lesson are A More Accurate Way to Calculate Emissions and What are Carbon Emissions? (Green Transportation #1).
This resource has students calculate the number of carbon dioxide molecules in a 2-liter bottle. The calculations and conversions are well-presented and explained. As such, this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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