"THE RADIOMETER."
Many boys will have noticed in opticians' windows "the little instrument pictured below, but it is unlikely that many know " what makes the wheels go round." .It
is called a radiometer and consists essentially of four'pieces of mica, each blackened on one side and supported by a delicate framework of platinum wire. The frame revolves on the top of a, glass rod. It is only in the light that there is any motion, the* principle being roughly as follows The rays of light whose composition is somewhat a mystery to scientists are absorbed by the black sides of the mica vanes, thus raising the temperature oi the air around the black sides. The minute molecules of air start to " jump round," exerting pressure on the vanes and causing revolution eventually. The power produced is so little that no practical use lias yet been found for this wonderful instrument. —From Eobt. J. Gilmore, c.0., Auckland Savings Bank, Kewmarket. (Aged 14.)
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19300308.2.192.46.11
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20508, 8 March 1930, Page 4 (Supplement)
Word Count
161"THE RADIOMETER." New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20508, 8 March 1930, Page 4 (Supplement)
Using This Item
NZME is the copyright owner for the New Zealand Herald. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons New Zealand BY-NC-SA licence . This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of NZME. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Auckland Libraries and NZME.