Gases- The Greenhouse Effect

The Greenhouse Effect

Demonstration: A pair of 300-mL Dewar flasks are filled with air(g) and carbon dioxide, CO2(g) respectively, and loosely sealed with a plastic sandwich bag. The flasks are enclosed in a polycarbonate box with an open side. A lamp is set up ~ 30 cm from the top of the Dewar flasks, and a temperature probe is inserted into each. The lamp is energized and the temperature of the two systems are tracked. The flask containing carbon dioxide gas heats more quickly and to a higher temperature than the flask containing air. This demo is available on video. A third gas, HFC-134a also called R-134a can also be employed as a candidate. It is as much as a 10,000 times greater warming effect than carbon dioxide gas.

Source: UW Card Catalog

Year:   N/A   Vol: N/A  Page: N/A

Keywords: Greenhouse Effect, Carbon dioxide, Air, Temperature, Heating, Vibrational Modes

Rating:

Hazard: Some

  • Implosion hazard
  • Explosion hazard
  • Asphyxiation hazard
  • Flammable liquids
  • Skin corrosion hazard
  • Electric shock hazard
  • Burn hazard
  • Compressed gas
  • Use of hot plate
  • Open flame
  • Mildly reactive chemicals
  • Electricity or inert gas producing reagents

Effectiveness: Average

  • Secondary observation
  • Time to results is high
  • Mild effects are observed by audience
  • Moderate failure rate
  • Behavior of systems contrast is poor

Difficulty: Medium

  • Simple adding of nonreactive reagents
  • Simple procedures
  • Simple manipulations for most to perform
  • Reactions or demos at nonstandard conditions

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves recommended
  • Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
  • Handle Dewar flasks with care
  • ABC fire extinguisher on hand

 

Class: Gases, Physical Properties

Division: General Chemistry