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Check My Assignment!- Download the interactive simulation The Greenhouse Effect
- NOTE: The simulation will require an updated version of Java software (free) on your computer. If you do not or are not sure if you have Java, go to the Java Website. The interactive simulations are optimized for use on computers (MACs or PCs) and MAY NOT run on some tablets, notebooks, or other devices
- Experiment and discover on your own with the interactive simulation
- Download the assignment for this simulation
- Complete the exercises and answer the questions outlined in the assignment
- Download and fill out the Greenhouse Effect Answer Sheet
| Click here to enter text. |
Name:
Each box to be filled in with a value is worth 1 point.
Data Table 1
| The Atmosphere …. | Greenhouse Gas Composition (in ppm) | Equilibrium Atmospheric Temperature (in °F) | |||
| H2O (water vapor) | CO2 (carbon dioxide) | CH4 (methane) | N2O (nitrous oxide) | ||
| With NO Greenhouse Gases | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Click here to enter text. |
| Today | 70% Relative Humidity | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
| Ice Age | ? | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
Data Table 2
| Concentration of Greenhouse Gases (in ppm) | Number of Clouds | Equilibrium Atmospheric Temperature (in °F) |
| 0 | 0 | Click here to enter text. |
| 0 | 3 | Click here to enter text. |
Data Table 3
| Number of Glass Panes | Equilibrium Atmospheric Temperature (in °F) |
| 0 | Click here to enter text. |
| 1 | Click here to enter text. |
Data Table 4
| Gas Molecule | # of Infrared Photons Absorbed (out of 20) | # of Visible Photons Absorbed (out of 20) | ||||||
| Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | Average # of Infrared Photons Absorbed | Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | Average # of Visible Photons Absorbed | |
| CH4 (methane) | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
| CO2 (carbon dioxide) | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
| H2O (water vapor) | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
| N2 (nitrogen) | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
| O2 (oxygen) | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. | Click here to enter text. |
Questions
For multiple choice and fill in the blank questions, type the letter of your chosen answer into the space provided below the question. For short answer questions, type your answer in the space provided below the question.
Note that there are THREE PAGES OF QUESTIONS below. Each multiple choice question is worth 3 points and each short answer question is worth 4 points.
Experiment 1
1. In 2 or 3 sentences in the space below, compare the direction of the paths of sunlight and infrared photons in the simulation. Include also how the paths of infrared photons change when greenhouse gases are present in the atmosphere compared to when they are not.
| Click here to enter text. |
2. When an atmosphere with NO greenhouse gases is simulated, the atmosphere’s temperature is _____________ compared to a simulation for an atmosphere with greenhouse gases.
a. higher b. lower
Click here to enter text.
3. During the Ice Age simulation, the atmosphere had a _______ concentration of greenhouse gases than today’s atmosphere, resulting in a ________ temperature during the Ice Age compared to today.
a. smaller; greater b. smaller; lower c. greater; greater d. greater; lower
Click here to enter text.
4. Based on your observations and the data collected in experiment 1, in one or two statements in the space below, describe the general effect of greenhouse gases, and the effect of a change in greenhouse gas concentration, on atmospheric temperature. Phrase the statements in a way that you would explain the concept to one of your classmates.
| Click here to enter text. |
Experiment 2
1. In experiment 2, adding clouds to the atmosphere caused atmospheric temperature to:
a. Increase b. decrease
Click here to enter text.
2. Based on the results of experiment 2, which statement below describes the effect of clouds on incoming solar radiation ?
a. Clouds reflect some solar radiation back to space.
b. Clouds allow some solar radiation to pass through to the ground.
c. Clouds have no effect on incoming solar radiation.
d. both a and b
Click here to enter text.
3. Based on the results of experiment 2, which statement below describes the effect of clouds on infrared radiation ?
a. Clouds absorb some of the infrared radiation coming from Earth and re-emit it back to the earth.
b. Clouds allow some infrared radiation coming from Earth to escape the atmosphere.
c. Clouds have no effect on infrared radiation.
d. both a and b.
Click here to enter text.
Experiment 3
1. Based on observations made during experiment 3, in 2 or 3 sentences in the space below, compare the paths of infrared photons when virtual glass panes are in place to when there are no glass panes.
| Click here to enter text. |
2. Your car has been parked outside on a cold but sunny day. When you get in the car, it is much warmer than the air outside. In 2 or 3 sentences, explain, based on the results of experiment 3, why this happens. Be sure to tie both solar and infrared radiation into your explanation.
| Click here to enter text. |
3. In 2 sentences, explain, based on the results of experiment 3, why the word “greenhouse” correctly describes the effect of gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor in our atmosphere.
| Click here to enter text. |
Experiment 4
1. Based solely on the results of Experiment 4, which of the gases used in the experiment are greenhouse gases? In 1 or 2 sentences, explain how this was determined.
| Click here to enter text. |
2. Based solely on the results of Experiment 4, of the gases you listed in question 1. above, which gas is the “best” greenhouse gas? In 1 or 2 sentences, explain how this was determined.
| Click here to enter text. |
3. In analyzing the data collected for the number of visible photons absorbed for each of the atmospheric gases used in experiment 4, which of the following statements would be a good conclusion?
a. Each of the atmospheric gases used in the experiment is a greenhouse gas.
b. Visible radiation coming directly from the Sun passes right through our atmosphere without being absorbed.
c. All atmospheric gases absorb both visible and infrared radiation with equal preference.
Click here to enter text.
EDS 1021 Week 8 Interactive Assignment
The Greenhouse Effect
Objective: Using a simulated practical application, investigate the effects of “greenhouse gases” and
clouds on Earth’s atmospheric temperature.
Background: Review the topics Transmission, Absorption, and Scattering, Infrared Radiation, and Visible
Light in chapter 6, Climate and Understanding Climate in chapter 18, and The Greenhouse Effect in chapter 19,
of The Sciences.
Instructions:
1. PRINT a hard copy of this entire document, so that the experiment instructions may be easily referred to,
and the data tables and questions (on the last three pages) can be completed as a rough draft.
2. Download the Greenhouse Effect Answer Sheet from the course website. Transfer your data values and
question answers from the completed rough draft to the answer sheet. Be sure to put your NAME on the
answer sheet where indicated. Save your completed answer sheet on your computer.
3. SUBMIT ONLY the completed answer sheet, by uploading your file to the digital drop box for the
assignment.
Introduction to the Simulation
1. After reviewing the background information for this assignment, go to the website for the interactive
simulation “The Greenhouse Effect” at http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhouse. Click on
DOWNLOAD to run the simulation locally on your computer.
2. Software Requirements: You must have the latest version of Java software (free) loaded on your computer
to run the simulation. If you do not or are not sure if you have the latest version, go to
http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp .
3. Explore and experiment on the three different “tabs” (areas) of the simulation. While playing around, think
about how the concepts of “the greenhouse effect” and “greenhouse gases” are being illustrated in the
simulation.
Greenhouse Effect Tab – Observe the effect that greenhouse gases have on outgoing terrestrial (infrared)
radiation and atmospheric temperature. Yellow stars indicate photons of incoming solar (visible)
radiation, while red stars indicate photons of infrared radiation being emitted from Earth. Simulate
atmospheres with different concentrations of greenhouse gases at different times in Earth’s history, or adjust
the concentration of greenhouse gases as you wish, and observe the effect on atmospheric temperature.
Clouds may also be placed in the atmosphere to observe their effect.
Glass Layers Tab – Simulate a “greenhouse” by adding virtual glass panes to the atmosphere. Observe
the effect of a virtual glass ceiling on atmospheric temperature.
Photon Absorption Tab – “Shoot” photons of either infrared or visible radiation at different atmospheric gas
molecules to determine their preference for absorbing either type of radiation.
After playing around with the simulation, conduct the following four (4) short experiments. As you conduct
the experiments and collect data, fill in the data tables and answer the questions on the last three pages of
this document. http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhousehttp://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsphttp://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp
Experiment 1: The Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect and Temperatures through History
In this experiment you will observe the atmospheric greenhouse effect, and how different concentrations of
greenhouse gases at different times in Earth’s history affected atmospheric temperature.
1. Click on the Greenhouse Effect tab at the top of the simulation screen.
2. Procedure:
a. Click “reset all” at the bottom right of the screen. Click “yes” in the box that pops up. b. In the Greenhouse Gas Concentration box, move the slider to none. The simulation will run
automatically for an atmosphere with no greenhouse gases. c. As the simulation runs, carefully observe the number and paths of both sunlight photons (also called
solar, or visible radiation) and infrared photons (also called terrestrial radiation), and the change in temperature on the thermometer. If needed, slow down the simulation in order to accurately observe
what is happening. d. Once the thermometer more or less settles on a temperature (when the atmosphere reaches
equilibrium), record that temperature reading in the appropriate block in Data Table 1. e. Click the button for Today in the Atmosphere During… box. The simulation will now illustrate the
atmospheric greenhouse effect and resulting atmospheric temperature for today’s atmosphere. f. As the simulation runs, again carefully observe the number and paths of both sunlight photons and
infrared photons, and the change in temperature on the thermometer. If needed, slow down the
simulation in order to accurately observe what is happening. Note the difference in photon paths for the atmosphere with greenhouse gases compared to without.
g. The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are: Water Vapor (H2O), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O). “ppm” is the abbreviation for “parts per million”. Record the Greenhouse Gas Composition of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the atmosphere in the appropriate blocks in Data Table 1 (H2O is already filled in).
h. Once the thermometer more or less settles on a temperature (when the atmosphere reaches equilibrium), record that temperature reading in the appropriate block in Data Table 1.
i. Click the button next to Ice Age in the Atmosphere During… box. The simulation will now illustrate the
atmospheric greenhouse effect and resulting atmospheric temperature during an ice age. j. Repeat the above steps f through h to collect data for the atmosphere during an ice age.
3. Answer the questions for Experiment 1 on the Questions page. Repeat experiment 1 in whole or part as
necessary to answer the questions.
Experiment 2: The Effect of Clouds on Atmospheric Temperature
In this experiment you will observe the effect of clouds on atmospheric temperature.
1. Set Up: Click on the Greenhouse Effect tab at the top of the simulation screen.
2. Procedure
a. Repeat steps a through c in experiment 1.
b. Once the thermometer more or less settles on a temperature (when the atmosphere reaches equilibrium), record that temperature reading in the appropriate block in Data Table 2. This is the equilibrium temperature of an atmosphere with no greenhouse gases and without clouds.
c. In the “Options” box next to “Number of Clouds”, place 3 clouds into the atmosphere by clicking the up arrow three times, so that “3” is showing.
d. As the simulation runs, carefully observe the number and paths of both sunlight photons and infrared photons, and the change in temperature on the thermometer. If needed, slow down the simulation in
order to accurately observe what is happening. e. Once the thermometer more or less settles on a temperature (when the atmosphere reaches
equilibrium), record that temperature reading in the appropriate block in Data Table 2. This is the equilibrium temperature of an atmosphere with no greenhouse gases and with clouds.
3. Answer the questions for Experiment 2 on the Questions page. Repeat experiment 2 in whole or part as
necessary to answer the questions.
Experiment 3: Glass Layers
In this experiment you will observe what happens to the air temperature in a real greenhouse, by placing virtual glass
panes in the atmosphere.
1. Set Up: Click on the Glass Layers tab at the top of the simulation screen.
2. Procedure
a. Click “reset all” on the right side of the screen. The simulation will start running automatically for an atmosphere with no greenhouse gases and NO panes of glass in the atmosphere.
b. As the simulation runs, carefully observe the number and paths of both sunlight photons (visible radiation) and infrared photons (terrestrial radiation), and the change in temperature on the thermometer. If needed, slow down the simulation in order to accurately observe what is happening.
c. Once the thermometer more or less settles on a temperature (when the atmosphere reaches equilibrium), record that temperature reading in the appropriate block in Data Table 3.
d. In the “Options” box next to Number of Glass Panes, place 1 glass pane into the atmosphere by clicking the up arrow once so that “1” is showing.
e. Repeat the above steps b and c to observe and record data with one glass pane in the atmosphere.
3. Answer the questions for Experiment 3 on the Questions page. Repeat experiment 3 in whole or part as
necessary to answer the questions.
Experiment 4: Photon Absorption
In this experiment you will determine which gases in our atmosphere are greenhouse gases by “shooting” photons of
both visible and infrared radiation at the gas molecules, and observing their response.
1. Set Up: Click on the Photon Absorption tab at the top of the simulation screen.
2. Procedure
a. Click the button next to CH4 in the Atmospheric Gases box. A methane gas molecule now
sits in the middle of the screen.
b. Click the button next to Infrared Photon underneath the photon gun.
c. Using the slider underneath the gun, shoot 20 infrared photons at the molecule at a slow
enough speed that allows you to observe what is happening while counting off the 20
photons at the same time.
d. As photons are emitted from the gun, observe that some of the photons pass through the
molecule, and some are absorbed by the molecule. It will be obvious when a photon is
absorbed by the molecule. As you count off the 20 photons, make a tick mark on a piece of
paper each time a photon is absorbed.
e. Out of the 20 photons shot at the molecule, enter the number of photons that were absorbed
by the molecule in the appropriate box in data table 4.
f. Repeat steps c through e TWO more times, so that you have a total of three trials of 20
photons.
g. Take an AVERAGE of the three trials, to get the average number of photons absorbed by
CH4.
h. With the gun still loaded with infrared photons, repeat steps c through g above for the
other four gases in the Atmospheric Gases box – CO2, H2O, O2 and N2,
i. Click the button next to Visible Photon underneath the photon gun, to load the gun with
visible photons to shoot at the gas molecules.
j. With the gun now loaded with visible photons, repeat steps c through g above for all five
the gases in the Atmospheric Gases box – CH4, CO2, H2O, O2 and N2.
3. Answer the questions for Experiment 4 on the Questions page. Repeat experiment 4 in whole or part as necessary to answer the questions.
Name (1 pt) :
Data
Each box to be filled in with a value is worth 1 point.
Data Table 1
The
Atmosphere
….
Greenhouse Gas Composition (in ppm) Equilibrium
Atmospheric
Temperature
(in °F) H2O
(water
vapor)
CO2
(carbon
dioxide)
CH4
(methane)
N2O
(nitrous
oxide)
With NO
Greenhouse
Gases
0 0 0 0
Today
70%
Relative
Humidity
Ice Age ?
Data Table 2
Concentration
of
Greenhouse
Gases
(in ppm)
Number of
Clouds
Equilibrium
Atmospheric
Temperature
(in °F)
0 0
0 3
Data Table 3
Number of
Glass
Panes
Equilibrium
Atmospheric
Temperature
(in °F)
0
1
Data Table 4
Gas Molecule # of Infrared Photons Absorbed
(out of 20) # of Visible Photons Absorbed
(out of 20)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average # of
Infrared Photons
Absorbed
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average # of Visible Photons
Absorbed
CH4 (methane)
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
H2O (water vapor)
N2 (nitrogen)
O2 (oxygen)
Questions
For multiple choice and fill in the blank questions, choose the best answer from the list provided below the
question. For short answer questions, type your answer in the space provided below the question.
Note that there are TWO PAGES OF QUESTIONS below. Each multiple choice question is worth 3 points and
each short answer question is worth 4 points.
Experiment 1
1. In 2 or 3 sentences in the space below, compare the direction of the paths of sunlight and infrared photons in the
simulation. Include also how the paths of infrared photons change when greenhouse gases are present in the atmosphere compared to when they are not.
2. When an atmosphere with NO greenhouse gases is simulated, the atmosphere’s temperature is ___________ compared to a simulation for an atmosphere with greenhouse gases.
a. higher b. lower
3. During the Ice Age simulation, the atmosphere had a _____ concentration of greenhouse gases than Today’s atmosphere, resulting in a ____ temperature during the Ice Age compared to today. a. smaller; greater b. smaller; lower c. greater; greater d. greater; lower
4. Based on your observations and the data collected in experiment 1, in one or two statements in the space below, describe the general effect of greenhouse gases, and the effect of a change in greenhouse gas concentration, on atmospheric temperature. Phrase the statements in a way that you would explain the concept to one of your classmates.
Experiment 2
1. In experiment 2, adding clouds to the atmosphere caused atmospheric temperature to:
a. increase b. decrease
2. Based on the results of experiment 2, which statement below describes the effect of clouds on incoming solar
radiation?
a. Clouds reflect some solar radiation back to space. b. Clouds allow some solar radiation to pass through to the ground. c. Clouds have no effect on incoming solar radiation. d. both a and b
3. Based on the results of experiment 2, which statement below describes the effect of clouds on infrared
radiation?
a. Clouds absorb some of the infrared radiation coming from Earth and re-emit it back to the earth. b. Clouds allow some infrared radiation coming from Earth to escape the atmosphere. c. Clouds have no effect on infrared radiation. d. both a and b.
Experiment 3
1. Based on observations made during experiment 3, in 2 or 3 sentences in the space below, compare the paths of infrared photons when virtual glass panes are in place to when there are no glass panes.
2. Your car has been parked outside on a cold but sunny day. When you get in the car, it is much warmer than the
air outside. In 2 or 3 sentences, explain, based on the results of experiment 3, why this happens. Be sure to tie
both solar and infrared radiation into your explanation.
3. In 2 sentences, explain, based on the results of experiment 3, why the word “greenhouse” correctly describes the
effect of gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor in our atmosphere.
Experiment 4
1. Based solely on the results of Experiment 4, which of the gases used in the experiment are greenhouse gases?
In 1 or 2 sentences, explain how this was determined.
2. Based solely on the results of Experiment 4, of the gases you listed in question 1. above, which gas is the “best”
greenhouse gas? In 1 or 2 sentences, explain how this was determined.
3. In analyzing the data collected for the number of visible photons absorbed for each of the atmospheric gases
used in experiment 4, which of the following statements would be a good conclusion?
a. Each of the atmospheric gases used in the experiment is a greenhouse gas.
b. Visible radiation coming directly from the Sun passes right through our atmosphere without being
absorbed.
c. All atmospheric gases absorb both visible and infrared radiation with equal preference.
