Although carbon dioxide is a linear molecule it is still a greenhouse gas. Explain why that is.

A greenhouse gas is one which absorbs infrared radiation from the Earth and re-radiates it, increasing the surface temperature of the Earth. Normally these molecules are non-symmetrical such as triflurometane. This is not the case as carbon dioxide is a linear symmetrical molecule. However  in the case of carbon dioxide, it is made up of a single carbon atom covalently bonded by double bonds to 2 oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide therefore is still able to absorb infrared radiation. It can do so because each carbon oxygen double bond can buy vibrate at a different time from the other, known as asymmetrical vibration. This asymmetrical vibration of the carbon oxygen double bonds is what allows carbon dioxide molecules to absorb infrared radiation and re-radiated back to Earth acting as a greenhouse gas.

Answered by Lorenzo C. Chemistry tutor

6305 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trends in ionisation energies across the 2nd period of the periodic table?


The boiling points of ammonia (NH3), fluorine (F2) and bromine (Br2) are -33, -188 and +59 degrees celsius respectively. Explain the differences in these boiling points, including the names of any relevant forces and particles.


Why does Sodium Bromide have a melting point that is higher than that of Sodium ?


Why is the enthalpy of hydration of a chloride ion more negative than that of a bromide ion, using your knowledge of the attractive forces involved.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences