Topic(s): Greenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases, Atmospheric Composition
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12), College Lower (13-14)
In this short, hands-on activity, students build simple molecular models of 4 atmospheric gases (O2, N2, C02, and methane), compare their resonant frequencies, and make the connection between resonant frequency and the gas's ability to absorb infrared radiation.