大象传媒

Required practical

Investigate how the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface depends on the nature of that surface

There are different ways to investigate the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface. It is important to:

  • use appropriate apparatus to measure and record temperature accurately
  • make observations regarding the effects of electromagnetic waves on different substances

The method described here uses a Leslie cube. This is a metal cube with four different types of surface. It is filled with hot water to increase its temperature.

Aim of the experiment

A leslie cube on a heatproof mat. Next to the cube is an infrared detector, which is essentially a cylinder attached with two wires to a small reader with screen.

To investigate how the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface depends on the nature of that surface.

Method

  1. Place a Leslie cube on a heat-resistant mat. Fill it, almost to the top, with boiling water and replace the lid.
  2. Leave for one minute. This is to enable the surfaces to heat up to the temperature of the water.
  3. Use the infrared detector to measure the intensity of infrared radiation emitted from each surface, or the temperature of the surface. Make sure that the detector is the same distance from each surface for each reading.

Results

Record results in a suitable table. The Table below shows some example results:

Surface typeInfrared intensity (W/m2)
matt black19.5
matt white5.1
shiny black14.2
shiny silver3.8
Surface typematt black
Infrared intensity (W/m2)19.5
Surface typematt white
Infrared intensity (W/m2)5.1
Surface typeshiny black
Infrared intensity (W/m2)14.2
Surface typeshiny silver
Infrared intensity (W/m2)3.8

Analysis

  • Plot a bar chart to show the results. Make sure each bar is the same width and labelled clearly to show which surface it represents.
Bar chart showing the infrared intensities for different types of surface
  • Use your results to order the different surfaces from the best emitter to the worst emitter of infrared radiation.

Evaluation

Explain why the detector must be placed the same distance from each surface before taking a reading.

Hazards and control measures

HazardConsequenceControl measures
Boiling waterScaldsPour water slowly, using a funnel if necessary. Do not move the Leslie cube until it has cooled.
HazardBoiling water
ConsequenceScalds
Control measuresPour water slowly, using a funnel if necessary. Do not move the Leslie cube until it has cooled.