I found this radiometer GIF on the internet.
I've had a radiometer for decades, fascinated by the way it spins in the light. It works with sunlight or an incandescent light bulb.
I finally decided to order a new one after mine stopped working.
Here's a photo from the internet that looks just like mine.
Sir William Crroke invented the radiometer.
Below are explanations about how it works.
It's not so simple!
====================================
"The radiometer is made from a glass bulb from which much of the air has been removed to form a partial vacuum. Inside the bulb, on a low friction spindle, is a rotor with several (usually four) vertical lightweight vanes spaced equally around the axis. The vanes are polished or white on one side and black on the other.
When exposed to sunlight, artificial light, or infrared radiation (even the heat of a hand nearby can be enough), the vanes turn with no apparent motive power, the dark sides retreating from the radiation source and the light sides advancing.
Cooling the radiometer causes rotation in the opposite direction."
(From Wikipedia)
=============================
Continuing from Wikipedia, I found an explanation which is difficult to follow.
Crookes incorrectly suggested that the force was due to the pressure of light.[6]
Another incorrect theory was that the heat on the dark side was causing the material to outgas, which pushed the radiometer around
A partial explanation is that gas molecules hitting the warmer side of the vane will pick up some of the heat, bouncing off the vane with increased speed. Albert Einstein showed that the two pressures do not cancel out exactly at the edges of the vanes because of the temperature difference there. The force predicted by Einstein would be enough to move the vanes, but not fast enough.[9]
The final piece of the puzzle, thermal transpiration, was theorized by Osborne Reynolds[10] ; in an unpublished paper of 1879.
A lighthearted video explaining how it works in easier terms:
Fascinating. I have seen them many times but never understood completely what they did.
ReplyDeleteAbout the only thing I understood about the whole thing is:
ReplyDeleteIt's not so simple!
What a cool post. I've had a radiometer for years, but never knew how it worked. Over the years mine has slow down, but still works in sunlight.
ReplyDeleteI felt like I was back in school again. Is there going to be a test on this? lol Actually, I found this to be pretty fascinating stuff. I'll have to watch it a few times to totally absorb it (my brain isn't what it was when I was a young whipper snapper). Thanks for getting the gray matter working today!
ReplyDeleteNow I feel like we should get one! We are science nerds and this sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so good!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and intruding to look at and watch. Thanks for the explanation as it helped reading about it...you enjoy yours as I'm sure you will.
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat John!
ReplyDeleteBlockchain google authentication not working or failed
ReplyDeleteBlockchain is the most secure wallet cryptocurrency for domestic market in Australia. When you encounter google authentication errors, you start doubting Blockchain safety. If you ever come across such issues, you can attain felicitous remedies and methods from the certified professionals by dialing Blockchain support phone number. The experts are active all day and night for your assistance all you have to do is to reach them and discuss your troubles. The customer executive will provide everything in sleek way so that you can implement it easily. You are free to give call anytime you want and our experts will guide so well that you hardly face any issue.
I've never come across such a gadget - it's fascinating! Thanks for the education today :)
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. First time I hear of this. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete