Consider the structures of greenhouse gases, CO2 and CH4. Carbon dioxide has a very long lifetime in the air (centuries) versus methane that has a relatively short lifetime (decade). The lifetime of a molecule is also a reflection of the bonding and stability of the molecule. Discuss why you think these greenhouse gases have such different lifetimes in the atmosphere based on molecular structure, bond types, etc...

Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
9th Edition
ISBN:9781337399425
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter12: Chemical Bonding
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Consider the structures of greenhouse gases, CO2 and CH4. Carbon dioxide has a very long lifetime in the air (centuries) versus methane that has a relatively short lifetime (decade). The lifetime of a molecule is also a reflection of the bonding and stability of the molecule. Discuss why you think these greenhouse gases have such different lifetimes in the atmosphere based on molecular structure, bond types, etc...

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