Investigating Infrared Radiation

Question 1

What factors influence the amount of Infrared Radiation and object emits?

Answer 1

The amount of infrared radiation emitted by an object depends not only on its temperature but also on the material of its surface.

Question 2

What is a Leslie cube?

Answer 2

-a hollow, watertight metal cube with four vertical faces made of different surfaces
-e.g. matt black paint, matt white paint, shiny material, and dull material.

Question 3

How can you investigate emission of IR using a Leslie cube?

Answer 3

You can investigate emission using a Leslie cube by measuring the amount of infrared radiation emitted by different surfaces on the cub

Question 4

What steps are involved in conducting an investigation of infrared emission with a Leslie cube? (Practical)

Answer 4

1)Place Leslie cube on heat-proof mat.
2)Fill cube with boiling water.
3)Let cube warm up.
4)Ensure all faces reach same temperature.
5)Measure infrared radiation on each face with an infrared dectector holding it at a set distance away from the face e.g. 10cm
6)Record readings for comparison.
7)Repeat for all faces.
8)Note differences in radiation.
9)Follow safety precautions: avoid moving hot cube, handle kettle carefully.

Question 5

What setup is used in the experiment involving a bunsen burner and candle wax? (Practical)

Answer 5

1)Attach ball bearings to metal plate with candle wax.
2)Position plates with one side facing bunsen burner flame.
3)Use matte black and silver surfaces.
4)Ignite bunsen burner and position plates.
5)Record wax melting observations.
6)Note which bearing falls first.
7)Black plate absorbs more infrared, melts wax faster.