Crookes Radiometer

Crookes Radiometer
PIRA: 
6B30.10
Area: 
6 Optics
Topic: 
6B Photometry
Concept: 
Radiation Pressure

 

Shows the particle nature of light. When the light strikes the shiny surface, most of it is reflected away, but when it strikes the blackened surface, most of it is absorbed, raising the temperature of the surface. The vanes turn because of the movement of rarefied gas around the vanes from the cooler side to the warmer side.

 

Demo Contact

Scott Thomas
Demonstration Manager
828-262-2435
thomassa@appstate.edu