Molecules and Light


Resource ID#: 51197 Primary Type: Virtual Manipulative
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Direct Link: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/molecules-and-light

This activity will help to investigate how a greenhouse gas affects the climate, or why the ozone layer is important. Using this simulation, explore how light interacts with molecules in our atmosphere.

Areas to explore:

  • How light interacts with molecules in our atmosphere.
  • Identify that absorption of light depends on the molecule and the type of light.
  • Relate the energy of the light to the resulting motion.
  • Identify that energy increases from microwave to ultraviolet.
  • Predict the motion of a molecule based on the type of light it absorbs.
  • Identify how the structure of a molecule affects how it interacts with light.

General Information

Subject(s): Science
Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators, Students , Parents
Suggested Technology: Java Plugin
Keywords: Molecules, Light, Photons, Absorption.
Instructional Component Type(s): Virtual Manipulative
Resource Collection: Games and Simulations

Aligned Standards

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