Explore the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect
Shine microwave, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light on molecules and see which absorb it and what happens. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect?
Shine microwave, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light on molecules and see which absorb it and what happens. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
This explains global warming, the ozone layer and how a microwave oven heats food.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Different light energies make molecules move in different ways.
Microwaves make polar molecules rotate.
Infrared makes bonds vibrate.
Compare CO₂ and N₂ in infrared.
Shine ultraviolet on ozone.
Try microwaves on water.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Chemistry learners
Chemistry students from middle school to university, teachers who need a virtual demonstration, and anyone without access to a lab.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Shine ultraviolet on ozone. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why are CO₂ and CH₄ greenhouse gases?
They absorb infrared light, which traps heat in the atmosphere.
Why do N₂ and O₂ not trap heat?
They do not absorb infrared, so it passes straight through.
Is the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect free to use?
Yes. The Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect?
1. In the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect, use the controls to change Light source, Molecule. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect, pick an option such as Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect, press "Light on / off" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Compare CO₂ and N₂ in infrared. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Different light energies make molecules move in different ways.
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Try the Molecules and Light: Greenhouse Effect now
Shine microwave, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light on molecules and see which absorb. Free to use.
Try it free