8A60.65 - Habitable Zone

Code Number:
8A60.65
Demo Title:
Habitable Zone
Condition:
Excellent
Area of Study:
Astronomy
Equipment:
Radiometers with Thermocouples Attached, Digital Thermometers, Thermal Heater, Variac, Meter Stick.
Procedure:

Radiometers are placed at different distances (25, 50, and 75 cm) from a glow lamp. Take care to line up the radiometers so that they don't "eclipse" each other. The closer radiometer turns faster.  There is a thermocouple attached to each radiometer if you wish to monitor the temperature at each radiometer distance from the "sun".  There is also a digital thermometer that can be used to monitor the ambient temperature in the room if desired.  Note that you will need to turn on the digital thermometers just before you wish to use them as this style only stays on for 12 minutes.  



Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.