Experiment # 4
Objective:
To show that the intensity of radiation on a surface is inversely proportional to the square of distance of
the surface from the radiation source.
Apparatus:
Radiant heat and energy exchange unit
Introduction:
A number of physical properties (like the force between two charges) get smaller as they get farther
apart in a way that can be represented by an inverse square law. This means that the intensity of the
property decreases in a particular way as the distance between interacting objects increases. Specifically,
an inverse square law says that intensity equals the inverse of the square of the distance from the source.
For example, the radiation exposure from a point source (with no shielding) gets smaller the farther
away it is. If the source is 2x as far away, it's 1/4 as much exposure. If it's 10x farther away, the radiation
exposure is 100x less.
Fig 1.Radiant heat and energy exchange unit
Theory:
The inverse square law is a fundamental principle in physics that describes how the intensity of a
physical quantity, such as light, sound, or gravitational force, decreases with distance from a source.
Specifically, it states that the intensity I. of the quantity is inversely proportional to the square of the
distance d from the source, expressed mathematically as
I ∝ 1/d2
This means that if the distance from the source is doubled, the intensity falls to one-fourth its original
value. The inverse square law applies to various phenomena, including the illumination of surfaces by
light sources, the gravitational attraction between masses, and the distribution of radiation in space. It
highlights the significance of distance in determining the strength of effects emanating from a point
source, emphasizing that as one moves further away, the influence of that source diminishes rapidly.
The inverse square law is a vital concept in physics, particularly when studying radiation. By
demonstrating that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source,
one can understand and predict how energy is distributed in space, which is essential in both theoretical
and practical applications.
Fig 2. Inverse square law
Working principle:
The working principle of a radiant heat and radiant energy exchange unit is based on the transfer of
thermal energy through radiation. All objects emit thermal radiation proportional to their temperature,
with the intensity described by the Stefan-Boltzmann Law, which states that the radiation emitted by a
blackbody is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature. The unit typically includes a
heat source, such as an electric heater or lamp, that emits thermal radiation, which is absorbed by a target
surface designed to resemble a blackbody for accurate measurement. Emissivity, a measure of a
material's ability to emit radiation compared to a perfect blackbody, plays a critical role in determining
the efficiency of heat transfer. The apparatus often features sensors like thermocouples or infrared
thermometers to measure the surface temperature, allowing for the quantification of radiation intensity.
Additionally, the distance between the heat source and the target surface can be adjusted, impacting the
intensity of radiation received according to the inverse square law, which states that intensity decreases
with the square of the distance from the source. Together, these principles enable users to analyze the
relationships between temperature, distance, and radiation intensity, providing valuable insights into
thermodynamics and heat transfer.
Fig 3.Woirking principle
Procedure:
Position the radiant heat source (e.g., electric lamp or heater) above a flat, heat-sensitive surface.
Measure and record the initial distance from the heat source to the surface using a measuring tape.
Turn on the heat source and allow it to stabilize for a few minutes. Measure the surface temperature
using a thermocouple or infrared thermometer and record this as the intensity of radiation .
Gradually increase the distance from the heat source to the surface to a new position . Record the
new distance.
Allow the heat source to stabilize at the new distance. Measure and record the surface temperature
again as the new intensity of radiation .
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for several distances , measuring corresponding intensities .
Organize the data in a table, noting distances and corresponding intensities.
For each intensity measurement, calculate the inverse square of the distance.
Create a graph of intensity of radiation versus 1/d2
Analyze the graph and data to confirm if the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the
square of the distance from the radiation source.
Handle the heat source carefully to avoid burns and ensure secure electrical connections to prevent
overheating.
Observations & Calculations:
Radiometer Ambient To T10
X (mm) reading (R) temperature (T)
(w/m2)
Radiometer Ambient To T10 k log d
X (mm) reading (R) temperature
(w/m2) (T)
Graph:
Graph
35
30
25
20
R
15
10
0
2.903 2.845 2.77 2.698 2.6 2.477
Log d
Conclusion:
