Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Thermal Potential of Carbon dioxide

A classroom/laboratory activity that demonstrates the thermal properties of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas, that may contribute to global warming.

Students will investigate the thermal properties of carbon dioxide by comparing the effect of application of heat and light energy on carbon dioxide and air. Students will be able to correlate their observations of the thermal properties of pure CO₂ versus air to explain the relationship between increased atmospheric CO₂ due to combustion of fossil fuels and an increase in Earth’s surface temperature since the industrial revolution.

Use this tool to help students find answers to:

1. What is the relationship between increased atmospheric CO₂ and global warming?
2. How is the burning of fossil fuels a potential contributor to climate change?

About the Tool

Tool Name	The carbon dioxide greenhouse- is it effective?
Discipline	Chemistry, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline	Carbon dioxide, Global Warming, Infrared Radiation, Heat Energy, Light Energy
Climate Topic	Climate and the Atmosphere, The Greenhouse Gas Effect
Type of Tool	Classroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade Level	High school
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Royal Society of Chemistry
Hosted at	Royal Society of Chemistry
Link	www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/jesei/co2green/home.htm
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic