With the Radiation Sensor, a versatile Radiation Cube, and the Stefan-Boltzmann Lamp, four key experiments in thermal radiation can be performed.
Students begin with a study of thermal radiation from different types of surfaces at the same temperature. The Thermal Radiation Cube has four different surfaces that can be monitored (black matte, white matte, polished aluminum, and dull aluminum). The cube is heated electrically with a 100-watt bulb (its output can be varied). The thick aluminum walls assure the same temperature on all four walls to within a fraction of a degree. The Radiation Sensor provides an accurate measure of thermal radiation throughout the infrared region. Its output is a voltage that is proportional to the intensity of radiation.
Another important introductory experiment is the Inverse Square Law. The Stefan-Boltzmann Lamp uses a special bulb to provide a near-perfect point source for highly accurate results.
Finally, students can verify the Stefan-Boltzmann Law for both low and high temperatures by using the Radiation Cube for the low temperatures and the Stefan-Boltzmann Lamp for the high temperatures.
Typical Experiments
- Introduction to Thermal Radiation
- Stefan-Boltzmann Law at Low Temperatures (Rrad = σT4)
- Inverse Square Law
- Stefan-Boltzmann Law at High Temperatures
What's Included
