physics - radiation and absorption

Question 1

outline the steps of the practical?

Answer 1

• place a leslie cube on to a heatproof mat and fill with hot water
• use the infrared detector to measure the amount of radiation that is emitted from each side
• draw a suitable chart to compare the results for each surface

Question 2

what is a leslie cube?

Answer 2

A cube with different textured surfaces used to demonstrate the differing radiation emitted.
Typically has a matt white, shiny silver or gold, matt black, and shiny black side

Question 3

why is a heatproof mat needed?

Answer 3

boiling water is poured into the cube meaning the base can get hot and so a mat is used to protect the desk

Question 4

what type of data is collected?

Answer 4

the four different surfaces being measured produces categorical data

Question 5

which surface would you expect to emit the most radiation?

Answer 5

the matt black surface since good absorbers of radiation are also good emitters. Matt black surfaces are good emitters and poor reflectors

Question 6

which surfaces would you expect to emit the least radiation?

Answer 6

the shiny surfaces, as they are good reflectors and poor emitters

Question 7

what type of radiation is emitted?

Answer 7

infrared radiation ~ part of the electromagnetic spectrum

Question 8

what safety precaution should be taken when using a leslie cube?

Answer 8

avoid handling it with bare hands when filled with boiling water since the cube will be very hot