Physics – 2.3.3 Radiation | e-Consult

Equipment Needed:

• A heat source (e.g., a light bulb or a heated metal block)
• A thermal imaging camera
• A vacuum chamber (sealed and capable of maintaining a vacuum)
• Connecting wires and power supply
• Thermometer (optional, for measuring the temperature of the heat source)

Procedure:

1. Set up the heat source inside the vacuum chamber. Ensure the chamber is properly sealed to maintain a vacuum.
2. Turn on the heat source and allow it to reach a stable temperature. Record the temperature of the heat source using the thermometer (if available).
3. Turn on the thermal imaging camera and point it at the outside of the vacuum chamber.
4. Observe the thermal imaging camera's display. The camera should detect the thermal radiation emitted by the heat source, even though the vacuum chamber prevents the transmission of heat by conduction or convection.
5. Repeat the experiment with the heat source outside the vacuum chamber as a control.

Analysis:

The thermal imaging camera will show a distinct heat signature from the heat source inside the vacuum chamber. The camera detects infrared radiation, which is a form of thermal radiation. The fact that the camera detects the heat signature even though the heat source is isolated from the surrounding air demonstrates that thermal energy can be transferred by thermal radiation through a vacuum. The control experiment (heat source outside the vacuum chamber) will show a heat signature, confirming that heat transfer is possible without a medium.