Waves and Optics
Infrared Radiation Required Practical
To investigate how surface properties affect infrared radiation and explain how to control variables.
What you will learn
How surfaces absorb and emit infrared radiation
Why matt black surfaces behave differently from shiny ones
How to set up a fair infrared investigation
How to measure temperature changes accurately
How to interpret results and evaluate errors
Explanation
Compare infrared emission from surfaces at equal temperatures using a detector at fixed distance and angle.
For absorption, expose otherwise identical surfaces to the same radiation and compare temperature changes.
Matt black surfaces are generally better absorbers and emitters than shiny light surfaces; control temperature, area, distance and exposure time. Example: State a control variable for an emission comparison. Surface temperature, detector distance or viewing angle. Justify your answer.