Earth and Space Science

Radiation Lab
INTRODUCTION:
Radiation is one of the three primary ways heat is transferred within our atmosphere. What are the other
two ways? The answer: conduction and convection. Radiation is the focus of this lab. Hot bodies like
the sun radiate electromagnetic energy, as do various lights and fire. This energy is both electric and
magnetic. Hence the term, electromagnetic. This radiant energy is what allows us to see colors, get a
sun burn, and feel heat. Radiation can either be absorbed or emitted (given off). For example, our clothes
absorb radiation from the sun. When we go inside, this radiation is emitted and we cool down. Some
colors are more effective absorbers than others. I am sure you can think of other examples as well.

MATERIALS:
1 heat lamp
1 black can
1 silver can (white can)
2 thermometers
2 Styrofoam lids
Graph paper

OBJECTIVES:
1. Determine how different types of containers absorb and radiate (emit) energy.
1
2. Interpolate from graphical data the rate (change in temperature divided by change
in time) at which the containers absorb and radiate energy.
3. Explain the symbolic relationship between the materials used in this lab and
everyday Earthly processes.
PROCEDURE:
1. Put a thermometer in each of the cans and make sure the temperatures can be easily read.
2. Align the cans so that they are side by side but not touching each other.
3. Use a lamp holder or a stack of flat books so the light is shining at the middle part of the cans. Make
sure that the light on both cans is distributed as evenly as possible.
4. Move the heat lamp and adjust it so the distance from the bulb of the heat lamp to each of the cans
is about the same distance from your elbow to your wrist.
5. Record the temperatures of each of the cans in the table for when time is 0 minutes. This is the initial
temperature. The temperature should be the same in each of the cans at the beginning.
6. Turn on the lamp, and record the temperatures in the table every minute for 15 minutes.
7. After 15 minutes, there should be 16 temperatures for each of the cans. Turn off the lamp and redirect
it so it is facing away from the cans. This way, it will not radiate more energy to the cans.
8. Record temperatures every minute for the next 15 minutes.

elbow to
wrist
distance

DATA TABLE:

LIGHT ON
TIME

BLACK CAN
(Temperature in
C)

SILVER CAN
(Temperature in C)

0 min.
1 min.
2 min.
3 min.
4 min.
5 min.
6 min.
7 min.
8 min.
9 min.
10 min.
11 min.
12 min.
13 min.
14 min.
15 min.

LIGHT OFF
TIME
16 min.
17 min.
18 min.
19 min.
20 min.
21 min.
22 min.
23 min.
24 min.
25 min.
26 min.
27 min.
28 min.
29 min.
30 min

BLACK CAN
(Temperature in C)

SILVER CAN
(Temperature in C)

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF DATA:

Now you need to construct a graph from your data table above. Your graph will eventually look similar to
the graph below. The most difficult part for you will be the construction of a best fit line. You will
have 4 best fit lines as listed below. The purpose of a best fit line is to help you find the slope (rate of
change) of a set of data. Remember from mathematics that slope is rise over run. Best fit lines are linear
in nature meaning that they are perfectly straight lines.
1. Black can2. Silver can
3. Black can
4. Silver can

lamp on
lamp on
lamp off
lamp off

Set up your graph as shown below with temperature (degrees Celsius) on the y-axis and time (minutes) on
the x-axis. At the 15 minute mark, draw a vertical line that represents when the lamp was turned off and
moved away from the cans. DO NOT CONNECT THE POINTS, ONLY MAKE A BEST FIT LINE!

SLOPE CALCULATIONS (You MUST use your best-fit line, right triangle, and rise over run
values, all present on your graph to complete this section!!!):
SHOW ALL WORK...ANDDONT FORGET YOUR UNITS!!!
1. Rates of temperature change for the black can using your best fit lines:
LAMP ON

LAMP OFF

2. Rates of temperature change for the silver can using your best fit lines:
LAMP ON

LAMP OFF

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION QUESTIONS:

1. Which container absorbed the energy from the lamp more quickly? How could you tell?

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2. Which container radiated (emitted) energy more quickly? How could you tell?
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3. What general statement can you make about the color of a surface and its abilities to absorb and
radiate energy?
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4. What general statement can you make about the radiating ability of a substance if you know its ability
to absorb energy?
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5. Compare the rates at which the two containers absorbed heat. Explain the difference between the two
rates.
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6. Compare the rates at which the two containers radiated (lost) heat. Explain the difference between the
two rates.
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7. If a red container was introduced into this lab, how would its rate of energy absorption and energy
emission compare to that of the black and silver container? Why?
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8. Based on what you learned in this lab, explain what your feet would experience as you walk out of the
ocean and progress from the wet sand, to the dry sand, through the grassy area, and then onto an
asphalt parking lot during
a). the daytime hours on a clear sunny day in summer.

b). the evening hours after sunset on the same day.

CONCLUSION:
1. In your own words, state what you learned by doing this lab. 2. In addition, can you think of how
to perform this lab keeping the concepts the same but using different materials?
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
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2. ________________________________________________________________________________
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