DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we use radiation sensor to measure the relative

intensities of incident thermal radiation. The sensing element, a miniature
thermopile, produces a voltage proportional to the intensity of the radiation. The
sensor can be hand held or mounted on its stand for more accurate positioning.
A spring clip shutter is opened and closed by sliding the shutter ring forward or
back. During the experiments, the shutter closed when measurement are not
actively being taken. This helps reduce temperature shifts in thermophile
reference junction which can cause the sensor response to drift.

However, radiation cube provides four different radiated surfaces that can
be heated from room temperature to approximately 120C. The cube is heated
by a 100 Watt high bulb. Bulb of higher power can make the cube damage. For
best result, a digital Ohmmeter was used. The important step when use thermal
radiation sensor, each reading must take quickly to keep sensor from heating up.

A good absorbers of radiation are also good emmiters in common sense,

sometimes would be poor absorbers. As example, if the radiation detected from
black surface is 7.8, white surface is 8.6. Shiny surfaces emmits less radiation
but it will absorb a little radiation that falls upon them. Black or dark surface will
absorb all the radiation that falls on them which is light-coloured clothing is
usually preferable to dark clothing on a hot days.

Thermal radiation represents the net exchange of energy between

surfaces at different temperatures by electromagnetic waves independent of any
intervening medium. The rate of energy transfer depends on the properties of
the substances involved, geometrical parameters and thermometers.

QUESTIONS

1. List the surfaces at the radiation cube in order of the amount of radiation
emitted is the order independent of temperature?
In order of decreasing emissivity, the surface area, black, white, dull
aluminium and polished aluminium. This order is independent of
temperature and within the temperature ranged tested, the ratio of
emission between sides is almost constant.
2. It is a general rule that good absorbers of radiations are also good emitter.
Are your measurement consistent with this rule? Explain.