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Science Project

This student proposes an experiment to demonstrate how the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface creates uneven heating. The experiment will use a laser, plastic globe, and thermometer to simulate and measure the temperature effects of direct sunlight on the equator versus angled sunlight on the poles. The student predicts the equator will heat up more than the poles due to absorbing more direct sunlight rather than deflected angled rays.

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sethwolin
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71 views1 page

Science Project

This student proposes an experiment to demonstrate how the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface creates uneven heating. The experiment will use a laser, plastic globe, and thermometer to simulate and measure the temperature effects of direct sunlight on the equator versus angled sunlight on the poles. The student predicts the equator will heat up more than the poles due to absorbing more direct sunlight rather than deflected angled rays.

Uploaded by

sethwolin
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Ethan Wolin

Period 2

10/13/10

The Sun and Us


1. Problem: How do different angles at which the Sun’s rays strike the earth create uneven heating of
the Earth’s surface?

2. Procedures:

A. Place the laser straight in front of the model globe with the laser striking the equator head-on.
Replicate tilt for most accurate results.

B. Place the thermometer on the equator; record the temperature after 5 and 10 minutes.

C. Repeat for the poles, except angle the laser to simulate the sun’s rays hitting the poles on an angle.

3. Materials: High-powered laser (can be purchased for around $200), plastic model globe, and a
thermometer.

4. Drawing:

5. Data Table:

6. This experiment will answer the question because it shows the difference in temperature depending
on sun ray angles, and the only differences between real Sun radiation and my simulation will not
drastically alter the results. So I believe the experiment will provide sufficient information.

7. I predict that the equator will be more heated, since it will absorb its heat supply while the poles will
deflect the heat. Also, because the angle of the heat will cause the heat to simply skim the poles, the
equator will be higher in temperature.

8. I am certain my prediction will be right, because it is an accurate enough emulation of the Earth’s real
heating.

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