Show Effect of Greenhouse Gases on Absorption of Infrared Radiation
Using this apparatus and a simple two-part experiment, students will gain understanding of the reasons behind rising temperature in the Earth’s atmosphere. In part one of the activity, short-wave infrared radiation and visible light emitted from an incandescent reflector lamp passes through either air or greenhouse active butane gas in a metal tube. In part two, long-wave infrared radiation emitted from a black metal disc passes through the metal tube. In either scenario, the radiation is partly absorbed and can be registered by the thermopile. Significant differences in the absorption of radiation in part one and part two of the experiment can be demonstrated. Part one corresponds to the incident solar radiation on Earth, while part two illustrates the infrared radiation emitted from Earth. The heavy absorption of long-wave infrared radiation by greenhouse-active butane gas impressively demonstrates the greenhouse effect. Size: 35 x 15 x 15cm; weight: 6 lbs.
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