This animated video explains how the molecular structure of atmospheric gases can absorb and re-radiate infrared energy. The video uses simple models and analogies to aid in student understanding.
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The video moves along quickly and includes terminology with which students may not be familiar; educators may want to show it multiple times and/or pause the video to explore topics in more depth.
Have some physical models of molecules on hand to show students if possible.
A concise explanation of how the molecular structure of gases in our atmosphere determines their ability to absorb and re-radiate infrared energy.
Comments from expert scientist:
Scientific strengths:
- Excellent, clear and concise description of molecular absorption of infrared radiation
- Difference between the moons's lunar extreme temperatures and earth's more temperate climate
- Introduction of molecular rotation and vibration
- Difference between oxygen and nitrogen and greenhouse gases
- radiation pinball is a GREAT metaphor for the greenhouse effect!
- I did have to watch twice because there is a lot of information presented rather quickly
Uses attractive cartoon graphics, and easy to understand models, to describe molecular motion and the absorption of infrared.
Covers a single topic (molecular motion) and does not go into the fact that CO2 is increasing in the atmosphere leading to an increase of global temperature.
Educators may want to download the video for stand-alone, offline viewing or use an add-on such as 'Download Helper' to get rid of ads and comments underneath the video.
