Waves are one way in which energy may be transferred between stores. Both mechanical and electromagnetic waves will transfer energy without matter being transferred.
There are different ways to investigate the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface. It is important to:
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.
To investigate how the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface depends on the nature of that surface.
Record results in a suitable table. The example below also shows some example results.
Surface type | Infrared intensity (W/m²) |
---|---|
matt black | 19.5 |
matt white | 5.1 |
shiny black | 14.2 |
shiny silver | 3.8 |
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.
Use your results to order the different surfaces from the best emitter to the worst emitter of infrared radiation.
Explain why the detector must be placed the same distance from each surface before taking a reading.
Hazard | Consequence | Control measures |
---|---|---|
Boiling water | Scalds | Pour water slowly, using a funnel if necessary. Do not move the Leslie cube until it has cooled. |