Close the simulation window for oxygen and return to the Cool Molecules Explore page.
Next, click C and H in the periodic table and repeat the process for methane (CH4). In the table below, record the names of its vibration modes and describe the vibration of the molecule in each mode. Also record the number of unique possible states for each mode.
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Vibration Mode
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Number of States in the Mode
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Description
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4. Based on your observations, compare the vibration of oxygen and the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane.
Type your response here:
5. Based on the vibrational difference you observed, state a hypothesis to explain why diatomic molecules in the air, such as oxygen and nitrogen, are not greenhouse gases while those with 3 or more atoms, such as methane, are?