The document describes several experiments involving the transfer of thermal energy through various materials and surfaces:
1) An experiment is proposed to show whether a container with a bright shiny surface or a dull dark surface is better at keeping its contents warm. Water would be heated to the same temperature in two identical containers - one with each surface type - and their cooling rates would be compared.
2) Metal plates with different surface finishes (matt vs shiny, black vs silver) are exposed to sunlight and their temperature rise is observed. The plate with the shiny black surface would heat up fastest initially due to its high absorptivity.
3) A solar water heating panel circulates water through black pipes within a glass-covered
The document describes several experiments involving the transfer of thermal energy through various materials and surfaces:
1) An experiment is proposed to show whether a container with a bright shiny surface or a dull dark surface is better at keeping its contents warm. Water would be heated to the same temperature in two identical containers - one with each surface type - and their cooling rates would be compared.
2) Metal plates with different surface finishes (matt vs shiny, black vs silver) are exposed to sunlight and their temperature rise is observed. The plate with the shiny black surface would heat up fastest initially due to its high absorptivity.
3) A solar water heating panel circulates water through black pipes within a glass-covered
The document describes several experiments involving the transfer of thermal energy through various materials and surfaces:
1) An experiment is proposed to show whether a container with a bright shiny surface or a dull dark surface is better at keeping its contents warm. Water would be heated to the same temperature in two identical containers - one with each surface type - and their cooling rates would be compared.
2) Metal plates with different surface finishes (matt vs shiny, black vs silver) are exposed to sunlight and their temperature rise is observed. The plate with the shiny black surface would heat up fastest initially due to its high absorptivity.
3) A solar water heating panel circulates water through black pipes within a glass-covered
The document describes several experiments involving the transfer of thermal energy through various materials and surfaces:
1) An experiment is proposed to show whether a container with a bright shiny surface or a dull dark surface is better at keeping its contents warm. Water would be heated to the same temperature in two identical containers - one with each surface type - and their cooling rates would be compared.
2) Metal plates with different surface finishes (matt vs shiny, black vs silver) are exposed to sunlight and their temperature rise is observed. The plate with the shiny black surface would heat up fastest initially due to its high absorptivity.
3) A solar water heating panel circulates water through black pipes within a glass-covered
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com (b) The manufacturer of the hot-water tank says that when the outside surface is polished regularly and kept bright and shiny, the hot water will cool more slowly.
Describe, with the aid of a diagram, an experiment that shows whether a container with a bright and shiny surface is better at keeping its contents warm than one with a dull and dark surface.
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com 2 (a) Four identical metal plates, at the same temperature, are laid side by side on the ground. The rays from the Sun fall on the plates.
One plate has a matt black surface.
One plate has a shiny black surface.
One plate has a matt silver surface.
One plate has a shiny silver surface.
State which plate has the fastest-rising temperature when the sunlight first falls on the plates.
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com (b) During one day, 250 kg of water is pumped through the solar panel. The temperature of this water rises from 16 °C to 38 °C.
The water absorbs 25% of the energy falling on the solar panel, and the specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J / (kg °C).
Calculate the energy falling on the solar panel during that day.
energy = ......................................................... [4]
[Total: 8]
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com 4 Fig. 5.1 shows some apparatus designed to compare the ability of two surfaces to absorb infra-red radiation.
surface painted surface dull painted black shiny white
Bunsen burner Fig. 5.1
The containers, which are identical, are painted on the outside. One is dull black, the other is shiny white. Both are filled with water, initially at the same temperature.
(a) (i) Describe how you would use the apparatus to compare the abilities of the two surfaces to absorb infra-red radiation.
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com 5 Fig. 5.1 shows some apparatus which is to be used to compare the emission of infra-red radiation from four differently painted surfaces.
this side this side painted dull painted shiny white white metal box water inlet
this side this side painted shiny painted dull black black
Fig. 5.1
Near the centre of each side is an infra-red detector. The four detectors are identical.
A supply of very hot water is available.
(a) Describe how you would use this apparatus to compare the infra-red radiation from the four surfaces.
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com (b) Give an account of an experiment that is designed to show which of four surfaces will absorb most heat radiation. The four surfaces are all the same metal, but one is a polished black surface, one is a polished silver surface, one is a dull black surface and the fourth one is painted white. Give your answer under the headings below.
labelled diagram of the apparatus
readings to be taken
one precaution to try to achieve a fair comparison between the various surfaces
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com 7 (a) Fig. 5.1 shows two identical metal plates. The front surface of one is dull black and the front surface of the other is shiny silver. The plates are fitted with heaters that keep the surfaces of the plates at the same temperature.
dull black shiny silver
Fig. 5.1
(i) State the additional apparatus needed to test which surface is the best emitter of heat radiation.
