Greenhouse effect

In experiment C5.3.2.1, the IR-CO₂ experimentation kit is used to demonstrate the absorption of infrared (IR) radiation by CO₂ in the wavelength range from 4100 to 4300 nm. The short-wave radiation of the Sun penetrates water vapour, carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrous oxide and methane in the Earth's atmosphere and reaches the surface of the Earth unimpeded. The long-wave heat radiation is absorbed. Acting like the glass of a greenhouse, the greenhouse gases impede the release of energy from the Earth and cause heat to build up. Only a small part of the heat radiation is emitted directly into space - the far greater share is reflected back toward the surface of the Earth. This is referred to as the natural greenhouse effect. The proportion of greenhouse gases is changing as a result of human activity. The associated temperature increase is referred to as the anthropogenic greenhouse effect.