Collisional Heating in the Atmosphere

• 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.
  

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.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.