Adapting Three Classic Demonstrations To Teach Radiant Energy Trapping and Transfer As Related to the Greenhouse Effect
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Dwayne A. Bell [1] ; Jesse C. Marcum [1]
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[1] Framingham State University
Framingham State University
Town of Framingham, Estados Unidos
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- Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 95, Nº 4, 2018, págs. 611-614
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
Three concepts necessary for understanding the greenhouse effect are infrared radiation, absorption of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases, and steady-state energy flow. Herein, we describe adaptations to three classic demonstrations for teaching these concepts. William Hershel’s discovery of infrared radiation has been adapted into a fast and reliable demonstration using a pyranometer. We provide guidelines for building a ball-and-spring model of carbon dioxide that demonstrates the absorption of IR and the three fundamental vibrational modes of carbon dioxide and their relative frequencies. Finally, we describe an adaptation of Blanck’s plastic water-flow device to demonstrate how adding greenhouse gases can alter the steady-state flow of energy through the atmosphere.
