Greenhouse gases do not need to be polar molecules to absorb energy and heat up. While polar molecules like CO2 and CH4 are effective in this process, non-polar molecules can also participate if they have three or more atoms, allowing for asymmetric vibrational modes that are active in the infrared spectrum. Non-polar diatomic molecules are excluded due to dipole-forbidden vibrational transitions. The discussion raises the question of whether heating a gas through a single absorption line is effective, suggesting that the limited bandwidth may not provide sufficient power for a measurable temperature rise.
PREREQUISITESClimate scientists, atmospheric researchers, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of greenhouse gas behavior and energy absorption in the atmosphere.
