The chemistry of Global Warming September 27, 2004
Section Overview What is the greenhouse effect? Does it exist? Why is it important to understand? Is our current situation serious? What is atomic mass? Molecular mass? What is avogadro’s number? A mole? What are greenhouse gases? Why are they greenhouse gases? What can be done?
Today … Evaluating a skeptic Does ‘the greenhouse’ effect exist? What do you know about the greenhouse effect Video
Evaluating a skeptic How do you react to the column? Analyze factual content for each statement, categorize your response as: A) have enough information to judge it as a valid statement B) Having enough information to judge it as an invalid statement C) Do not have enough information at this time.
Lessons from Venus Without the atmosphere, average temperatures on Venus would be 100 o C and Earth should be -18 o C. Facts: Venus average temperature is 450 o C Earth Average temperature is 15 o C Why are both average temperatures higher than Expected?
The distribution of energy in solar radiation above the Earth’s Atmosphere Relative intensity 53% 8% 39%
Source: Nasa.gov
Greenhouse effect.