Absorbing infrared radiation practical
I can investigate how the intensity of black ink affects the infrared radiation absorbed by a surface.
Absorbing infrared radiation practical
I can investigate how the intensity of black ink affects the infrared radiation absorbed by a surface.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In a fair test, only the (independent) variable being investigated is changed
- The dependent variable is measured to investigate the effect of changing the independent variable
- Control variables are other factors that could be changed, but are kept the same in order not to affect the results
- The greater the intensity of black ink, the more easily a surface absorbs infrared
Keywords
Absorption - Absorption is when an electromagnetic wave is incident on a surface and transfers some or all of its energy to that surface.
Infrared radiation - Infrared radiation means electromagnetic waves with frequencies in a range just lower than for red light.
Electromagnetic wave - Electromagnetic waves are oscillations (ripples) in electric and magnetic fields.
Frequency - The frequency of a wave is the number of oscillations that occur each second.
Control variable - Control variables are variables that must remain the same throughout an investigation.
Common misconception
Infrared radiation is visible and is seen when objects glow.
Distinguish clearly between light radiation and infrared radiation in terms of what is visible and what is not visible.
Equipment
For each group: 0-100°C thermometer, prepared envelopes of card, radiant heater or filament lamp that gets hot (e.g. an optics lamp), timer
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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