Collisional Heating in the Atmosphere
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Provided by: King's Centre for Visualization in Science|Published on: April 27, 2021
Data, Graphs, and MapsScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed 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
- This interactive tool shows the molecular effects of different wavelengths of infrared radiation colliding with various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Students can select each gas separately, add or remove other atmospheric gases from the simulation, maneuver the 3-D simulation to see it from other angles, and change the wavelength of radiation to see the effects.
Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: King's Centre for Visualization in Science
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students can watch the temperature of the simulation increase as the radiation causes more movement of the molecules.
Additional Prerequisites
- It may help to review the thermal properties of greenhouse gases and the electromagnetic spectrum prior to using this tool.
Differentiation
- Chemistry and physics classes can use this simulation for lessons about heat, energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, or the greenhouse effect.
- Biology classes can use this resource as an activity when discussing metabolism, energy flow, photosynthesis, and global warming.
- Have younger students act out the movements of the molecules as the wavelengths of radiation change.
- After students have explored all gases, ask students which ones are greenhouse gases and which are not. Then have them compare the wavelengths that each greenhouse gas react to and identify them on an electromagnetic spectrum chart.
The resource deepens students understanding in the interactions of infrared radiation with selected molecules and greenhouse gases. Datasets used for visualizing these collisions and interactions have met prerequisite standards, they are valid and can be replicated. This resource is recommended.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
King's Centre for Visualization in Science
The King's Centre for Visualization in Science is a research center committed to improving the global public understanding of science through research and the creation and dissemination of peer-reviewed interactive electronic learning tools to see and understand science.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
