INVERSE SQUARE LAW FOR HEAT

Objective:
To show that the intensity of radiation on a surface is inversely
proportional to the square of the distance of the surface from the
radiation source.
Introduction to Radiation
Radiation is a method of heat transfer that does not rely upon any contact
between the heat source and the heated object as is the case with conduction
and convection. Heat can be transmitted though empty space by thermal
radiation often called infrared radiation. This is a type electromagnetic radiation.
No mass is exchanged and no medium is required in the process of radiation.
Examples of radiation are the heat from the sun, or heat released from the
filament of a light bulb.
Thermal radiation is energy emitted by matter as electromagnetic waves, due to
the pool of thermal energy in all matter with a temperature above absolute zero.
Thermal radiation propagates without the presence of matter through the
vacuum of space. Thermal radiation is a direct result of the random movements of
atoms and molecules in matter. Since these atoms and molecules are composed
of charged particles (protons and electrons), their movement results in the
emission of electromagnetic radiation, which carries energy away from the
surface.
Unlike conductive and convective forms of heat transfer, thermal radiation can be
concentrated in a small spot by using reflecting mirrors, which is exploited in
concentrating solar power generation. For example, the sunlight reflected from
mirrors heats the PS10 solar power tower and during the day it can heat water to
285 °C (545 °F).
Thermal radiation is a mode of heat transfer, which differs significantly from the
other two modes, namely conduction and convection. The fact that radiant
energy transfer occurs across a vacuum is often disturbing to students unless the
theory relating to properties of electromagnetic waves has been presented.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The unit consists of a horizontal track fitted with interchangeable heat

radiation source end and light source. Either the heat radiation detector or
the light meter may be placed on the horizontal track. In addition, a
number of accessories can be fitted for experimental purposes. These
include metal plates, two vertically orientated metal plates to form an
aperture, and a number of light filters. The radiation detectors accessories
are all clamped to stand, which enable them to be positioned at different
distances from the source. Distances are measured with scales mounted on
the front and the back of the track.

Temperatures of the three metal plates used in conjunction with the heat
radiation source are displayed on the control panel. Output from heat
radiation detector and light meter are displayed on digital read out.
 (a) Light Source
Consist of a bulb rated at 60 Watt, to produce a well distributed
light using an acrylic filter.

(b) Heated Surface

Consist of a heating aluminium plate rated with Matt Black Finish.

(c) Target Plate

Consist of three types Polished, Grey and Matt Black with bolt-on
temperature sensor.
Note:
When assemble the target plates, make sure that the bolt-on
thermocouple is facing the heated surface.

(d) Aperture
Consist of two plates with insulation on one side of the surface.
The Insulated surface will be facing the heated surface during the
experiment.

(e) Plastic Filter

Consist of three types of density known as Clear, Medium and
Dark plate.

(f) Radiometer

(g) Light Meter

Overall Dimensions

Height : 0.25 m
Width: 1.55 m
Depth: 0.5 m

General Requirements

The equipment should be installed on a firm, level work surface.

 The location should be remote from heaters or other sources of
radiation and should preferably be a darkened room for light
experiments. If a darkened room is not available, the apparatus
should be located in subdued lighting away from direct sunlight.

Electrical: 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50/60Hz

Temperature Sensors and Metal Plate

The heater plate comes with an internal thermocouple. Plug in the
thermocouple to the socket on the control panel marked as Th.
Connect the temperature sensor from the Black metal plate to
miniature socket marked as Black, connect the temperature sensor
from the Grey metal plate to miniature socket marked as Gray and
connect the temperature sensor from the Polished metal plate to
miniature socket marked as Polish on the control panel.

Heat Source
Install the heat source assembly on the holder with screws provided.
Connect the power lead to the output socket of the control panel.

Light Source
Install the light source assembly on the bracket with screws provided.
Connect the power lead to the socket of the control panel.

Radiometer
The radiometer is fitted with a cranked mounting as shown in the
diagram to ensure that the sensing surface is in the same plane as
reference mark when installed on the track. Connect the radiometer
to the panel to read the measurement.
Light Meter
The light meter is located on a straight mounting on the track so that
its sensing surface is in the same plane as the reference mark on the
carriage. Place the light on the holder and plug in to the light meter
to read the measurement.

Procedure:
1. Follow the basic instruction as written in section 6.1.1.
2. Connect one of the thermocouple of the target plates BLACK to
the panel and place the plate on the bench, to record ambient
temperature.
3. Position the radiometer on the test track at 100mm from the heat
source.
4. Set heater temperature to 150°C by using heater controller.
Monitor TH reading on the indicator.
5. When TH value has stabilized, record BLACK, TH, the distance, x
and the radiometer reading, R.
6. Next, move the radiometer position to 700mm from the heated
surface and monitor the reading on the display panel. When the
value has stabilized, record BLACK, TH, the distance, x and the
radiometer reading, R.
7. Repeat the above procedure by increasing the distance by 100mm
until the radiometer is 800 mm from the heated surface.
Note:
The sensitivity of the pyrheliometer is 28.5 uV / Wm-2.

Observations:

TH = ____150(heater temp)____°C

Distance, Voltage Radiometer

x(mm) Reading (mV) Reading, R(W/m2)
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800

Assignment:
Radiometer reading wrt distance varied