Heat Storage Capacity of CO2 molecules

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the heat storage capacity of CO2 molecules and their role in global warming. It emphasizes that heat isn't stored in CO2; instead, when CO2 absorbs infrared (IR) radiation, it quickly loses energy through collisions with other molecules, contributing to atmospheric warming. The bond-dissociation energy of CO2 is noted as approximately 5.51 eV, indicating the maximum energy it can absorb before breaking apart. The conversation critiques the framing of the original question, suggesting that discussing heat capacity at the molecular level is not meaningful. Ultimately, the consensus is that CO2's contribution to the greenhouse effect is more about re-emitting IR radiation than storing thermal energy.
Ellsworth
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I am a science hobbyist and working on a paper to illustrate the impact of CO2 on Global Warming.

Question – What is the Storage Capacity in joules, of one molecule of CO2 @ 20c/68f/293k. In other words, what is the maximum amount of IR energy that one molecule of CO2 can store at this temperature.

The mass of one molecule of CO2 is 7.308 x 10^-23g or 7.308 x 10^-26kg and the Specific Heat Capacity of CO2 is 834 at constant pressure (J kg-1K-1)

In essence, I am looking for both the value and the formula for which to use in order to calculate this.

For the cherry on top, how long can it store this amount of energy
 
Last edited:
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
It is not meaningful to talk of the heat capacity of one molecule. (Why do you want to, anyway?) Heat capacity is a bulk property.

Heat isn't stored in CO2 molecules. When a CO2 molecule absorbs IR radiation it quickly loses the excess energy by collisions with other molecules in the air, so the atmosphere warms up.
 
Hi M, thanks for the note. I should have properly worded the question to read, "In other words, what is the maximum amount of Electromagnetic IR energy that one molecule of CO2 can store at this temperature. Trying to get the feel for significance of what you described in terms of joules of energy. Thanks Ellsworth
 
Ellsworth said:
Hi M, thanks for the note. I should have properly worded the question to read, "In other words, what is the maximum amount of Electromagnetic IR energy that one molecule of CO2 can store at this temperature. Trying to get the feel for significance of what you described in terms of joules of energy. Thanks Ellsworth
That is still strangely worded. A molecule doesn't store "electromagnetic IR energy." Also, it is strange to think about the role of CO2 in the greenhouse effect in terms of heat capacity.

Strictly speaking, the bond-dissociation energy of CO2 is 5.51 eV, so this is more or less the maximum energy a molecule of CO2 could absorb from IR radiation before breaking apart.

mjc123 said:
Heat isn't stored in CO2 molecules. When a CO2 molecule absorbs IR radiation it quickly loses the excess energy by collisions with other molecules in the air, so the atmosphere warms up.
I would argue that this is not the main factor in the greenhouse effect. It is rather the fact that the CO2 will reemit the IR radiation in all direction, including back towards the surface.
 
If CO2 were unusually good at storing thermal energy, it would reduce global warming.

As worded though, it appears to me the answer to the OP's question is zero.
 
Thread 'The Secrets of Prof. Verschure's Rosetta Stones'
(Edit: since the thread title was changed, this first sentence is too cryptic: the original title referred to a Tool song....) Besides being a favorite song by a favorite band, the thread title is a straightforward play on words. This summer, as a present to myself for being promoted, I purchased a collection of thin sections that I believe comprise the research materials of Prof. Rob Verschure, who at the time was faculty in the Geological Institute in Amsterdam. What changed this...
Back
Top