Radiation

Learning goal

On this page, you will learn how energy passes through empty space through a mechanism called radiation.

❶ Radiative heat transfer between two objects

Instructions: In this simulation, a hot plate radiates light, some of which is absorbed by a cold plate and cause its temperture to increase.

1. Run the simulation to observe this process. Observe the temperature distribution of the cold plate.

2. Reset the simulation. Change the temperature of the radiator and then run the simulation again. Observe the temperature increase of the cold plate.

3. Reset the simulation. Reshape the cold plate on the left and redo the simulation. Explore if the size of the area that faces the radiator makes a difference.

Important Note: Light radiation from the hot plate is represented by a limited number of rays, each of which travels at a much slower speed than the speed of light. This is a computational approximation that does not reflect the nature of light energy.

Question: (Click the link below to answer)

1) Describe what you need to do in order to maximize radiation heating of the cold plate.
2) Describe what you need to do in order to minimize radiation heating of the cold plate.