Crooke??s Radiometer

Investigating the energy and impulse of an electromagnetic wave. Invented by Sir William Crooke, the vanes in the highly effective radiometer rotate when exposed to solar radiation. The cause for this rotation can open up much debate for which students should be encouraged to develop their own explanations. Some will state that the device relies upon the difference in absorption of impulse between the black and metal vanes. Others may think there is a difference in temperature of the vanes. This device has been designed with black vanes that absorb electromagnetic radiation and reflective metal vanes. Students need also remember that black painted sides getwarmer than metallic ones.