Perhaps the most concerning property of Carbon Dioxide as far as we are concerned is its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, heat that would otherwise be lost to space.
How does it do this?
Along with methane and water, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) absorbs energy at longer wavelengths than the other major atmospheric gases Nitrogen (N2) and Oxygen (O2).
Low frequency energy is commonly known as heat. When Carbon Dioxide is exposed to heat it absorbs the energy. It does this in two ways. First, the molecule moves faster and secondly the bonds inside the molecule vibrate more. Eventually the molecule will release this extra energy, again in the form of heat.
That energy is released in the same form, as heat. Also, it is given off equally in all directions. The important point here is that a fair portion of that released heat is emitted back towards the earth.
That is a problem because...?
The heat initially absorbed by the CO2 molecules comes largely from heat that is reflected from the surface and so is making its way out of the atmosphere into space. Carbon Dioxide molecules effectively take some of this energy and return it towards the surface, trapping it in the atmosphere. In essence, the CO2 acts as a heat blanket which is why it is given the term "greenhouse" gas, since greenhouses also trap heat. If we add enough CO2 to the atmosphere there can only be a significant warming effect, causing a rise in atmospheric and surface temperatures.
Even a slight rise in surface temperature can have significant effects. A warmer surface temperature means a warmer ocean surface. This leads to more evaporation which not only changes weather patterns but also increases the heating effect since water vapor behaves the same way as Carbon Dioxide.
This significant property of Carbon Dioxide is the main reason it's seen as a negative aspect of energy production and why we need to seek methods of energy production that do not involve releasing more CO2.
How does it do this?
Along with methane and water, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) absorbs energy at longer wavelengths than the other major atmospheric gases Nitrogen (N2) and Oxygen (O2).
Low frequency energy is commonly known as heat. When Carbon Dioxide is exposed to heat it absorbs the energy. It does this in two ways. First, the molecule moves faster and secondly the bonds inside the molecule vibrate more. Eventually the molecule will release this extra energy, again in the form of heat.
That energy is released in the same form, as heat. Also, it is given off equally in all directions. The important point here is that a fair portion of that released heat is emitted back towards the earth.
That is a problem because...?
The heat initially absorbed by the CO2 molecules comes largely from heat that is reflected from the surface and so is making its way out of the atmosphere into space. Carbon Dioxide molecules effectively take some of this energy and return it towards the surface, trapping it in the atmosphere. In essence, the CO2 acts as a heat blanket which is why it is given the term "greenhouse" gas, since greenhouses also trap heat. If we add enough CO2 to the atmosphere there can only be a significant warming effect, causing a rise in atmospheric and surface temperatures.
Even a slight rise in surface temperature can have significant effects. A warmer surface temperature means a warmer ocean surface. This leads to more evaporation which not only changes weather patterns but also increases the heating effect since water vapor behaves the same way as Carbon Dioxide.
This significant property of Carbon Dioxide is the main reason it's seen as a negative aspect of energy production and why we need to seek methods of energy production that do not involve releasing more CO2.
About the Author:
Get more information on the solar greenhouse effect at Roger Vanderlely's website, www.green-planet-solar-energy.com. There you can also read about solar energy solutions for you such as cheap solar panels for your home.
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