Mass Spec + Infrared Spectroscopy

Question 1

How does IR affect Global Warming?

Answer 1

IR can also occur in the ozone layer.

This causes heat to be trapped within the atmosphere.

When CFCs are released by human activity, this causes the heating effect is enhanced –> leading to global warming.

Question 2

SPEC: The link between absorption of infrared radiation by bonds in CO2, methane and water vapour and global warming.

Answer 2

Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, and all other atmospheric gases containing atmospheric gases containing C=O, O–H and C–H bonds.

The bonds within molecules of these greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation. This increases their kinetic energy causing the gases to heat up. As a result the temperature of the atmosphere increases, which in turn warms the earth.