Temperature and Radiation

By: Mike Luciuk

The three main methods of heat transfer resulting in change of temperature are conduction, convection and radiation. In conduction, energy is transferred by physical contact, like when one burns a finger while touching a hot pot. In convection, energy transfer occurs by fluid motion like water boiling in a kettle. In radiation, energy is transferred by the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation like the warmth from the Sun. This paper will illustrate some examples of how radiation determines temperature of objects in space and on Earth.

Sperry Observatory is open every Friday night to the public free of charge from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Observing is held throughout the evening, weather permitting. A presentation on an astronomy related topic is given at 8:30 pm. See below for information about the title of the presentation.

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