The Greenhouse Effect
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Objective
I can explain how the greenhouse effect traps thermal energy converted from visible light.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
TED-Ed · 5:01Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Gases absorb specific colors of light because each atom and molecule has a set number of possible energy levels for its electrons.
- 2
The Earth emits infrared radiation because every object with a temperature above absolute zero will emit light, also known as thermal radiation.
- 3
Carbon dioxide molecules absorb infrared photons and then emit a photon back out in a random direction, some of which returns to Earth's surface, causing warming.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
What type of electromagnetic radiation does the Earth primarily emit?
Explain why carbon dioxide in the atmosphere absorbs infrared light, but not visible light directly from the sun.
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps thermal energy emitted by the Earth.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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