PHYSICS LAB – GREENHOUSE EFFECT

PHY 110 Conceptual Physics

Lab 09 The Greenhouse Effect in a Jar

This experiment serves as an introduction to the greenhouse effect. You will be able to see for yourself the effects of a greenhouse, and relate this understanding to what occurs in our atmosphere.

Materials:

You will need:

2 Small thermometers
1 Jar or other see-through container
1 Clock or watch
1 Copy of the worksheet
Sunlamp or access to a sunny area to perform the experiment

Instructions

1) Place the two thermometers in the sunlight for a few minutes to let them get warm.

2) Record the readings of both thermometers at the top of the columns.

3) Record the time next to the starting temperatures and place the jar over thermometer #1.

4) Every minute, record the readings of both thermometers without disturbing them.

DATA
Time	Thermometer 1	Thermometer 2
Initial temperature
After 1 minute
After 2 minutes
After 3 minutes
After 4 minutes
After 5 minutes
After 6 minutes
After 7 minutes
After 8 minutes
After 9 minutes
After 10 minutes

Why are the temperatures different? Explain these results and how they relate, and differ, from the Greenhouse Effect on Earth. Your answer should be in complete sentences and between ½ and 1 page in length.