Greenhouse Gases

Play the video/micro-lecture about the Greenhouse Gases to describe the various modes of vibration in polyatomic gas molecules.

• Use the video to discuss the development of a charge imbalance (electrical dipole) in molecules due to the asymmetrical stretching or bending modes of vibration.

• Explain that this results in the absorption of heat energy from incident IR radiation in gas molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, and methane (CH4); therefore, these gases trap the heat energy in the atmosphere and act as greenhouse gases.