Which Gases are Greenhouse Gases?

Which Gases are Greenhouse Gases?

rennhouse gases

Prerequisites
None
Chemical Topics

Atomic Structure
Electromagnetic Radiation
Periodic Trends
Lewis Structures
VSEPR
Dipole Moment

Learning objectives

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Analysis of Data
Molecular Modeling
Oral, Written, and Visual Teamwork

University of California at Berkeley:
Angelica M. Stacy, stacy@cchem.berkeley.edu
Marco Molinaro, molinaro@cchem.berkeley.edu
Jennifer Loeser, jloeser@garnet.berkeley.edu
Susan E. Kegley, skegley@garnet.berkeley.edu
Jim Klent, Ohlone College, jimklent@aol.com
Interdisciplinary consultant and Co-author:
Gary F. Holland, Olin Aerospace Company

Description

This module strives to answer the question, "Which gases are greenhouse gases?" through experimental observation and by analyzing the three-dimensional structure of gas molecules. Over a three-week-period, a question will be discussed during each session and all the results combined will lead to the answer of the module theme. Emphasis is placed on skills needed to draw Lewis structures, to determine the three-dimensional shape of the molecules, and to predict if stretching and/or bending of the molecule will change the dipole moment, i.e. if the molecule will absorb infrared radiation.

Interdisciplinary aspects

Atmospheric chemistry, environmental science

Level

First semester general chemistry