Molecules and Light

Discover how light interacts with molecules in our atmosphere! Explore how different types of light, from microwaves to ultraviolet, cause molecules to move and absorb energy.

  • In Molecules and Light, uncover the science behind how light interacts with atmospheric molecules. Learn how the absorption of light varies depending on the type of molecule and the kind of light, and observe how energy increases from microwave to ultraviolet. Predict how different wavelengths of light affect the motion of molecules and understand how molecular structure influences these interactions. Whether you're curious about greenhouse gases or the ozone layer, this simulation provides an engaging way to explore the role of light in our atmosphere and its impact on climate.

  • PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder