Question:
I am thinking about trying to conduct an experiment where I take a
container (like a big fish aquarium) shine a light on it and measure
how fast the temprature rises. Then, take the same container and with
carbon-dioxide in it, then repeat the light-temprature experiment. I was
thinking of starting with dry-ice to get the CO2. My questions are: Do
you think this experiment makes sense?
Can it work? Is there any information available on conducting this kind
of experiment? Thanks, Katie
Replies:
I think you are going to have to take some pretty sophisticated precautions
to eliminate heat leaks from both undesired radiation (Remember radiant
energy varies as T^4 power where T is in Kelvins, and adjuvant heat
conduction. An estimate of the expected temperature changes on a 55 gallon
fish tank scale also suggest the need of very sensitive [which means $$$$
thermometers].
I hate to be negative but I think the background is going to wash out the
effect you wish to measure.
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