Abstract

The objective: To determine and compare the temperature of two or more light sources by measuring each maximum intensity using the spectrum. the maximum intensity has a corresponding wavelength which will be placed in Wein's Law to find the approximate temperature. I also plan to contact the company of the light sensor to figure out a way to calibrate the results I received from the light sensor, to get the true temperatures of the light sources.

Methods/Materials

Vernier light sensor, manila folder, yardstick, flashlight, overhead projector, Macintosh computer, Data Logger program, diffraction grating, He-Ne Laser Calibrate the diffraction grating, find the angle of diffraction for each ight source, receive the maximum intensity for each ligh source, calibrate the information, find the maximum wavelength, use Wein's law to get the temperatures, compare and contrast.

Results

The overhead projector had a lower wavelenth, and therefor a higher temperature, but only slightly. I also measured the spectrum of the sun, and the temperature came out way too low, especially compared to past research and tests. This caused me to research the light sensor to make a conclusion for now.

Conclusions/Discussion

The light sensor has an uneven spectal response, and contact with Hamamatsu, the manufacturer of the Vernier light sensor, is eminant before any further conclusions are made. If my results are calibrated, I can find and compare the true temperatures of the light sources, and new information on how to use the Vernier light sensor will be available.

Measuring and comparing the temperatures of two light sources using their visible spectrums, maximum intensities and corresponding wavelengths, and Wein's Law.

Science Fair Project done By Nichole M. Cubbage

Related Projects : Demolishing Dental Bacteria, Kimchi, Spicy Korean Culture, Staph Aureus, Does the Surface Clarity of Plastic Bottles Affect Solar Water Disinfection, Effects of Temperature on Bacterial Pigmentation, Do Bacteria Like Gasses, Study of the Effects of Green Tea on Oral Bacteria, Mystery Behind Bacteria Levels in Gym Equipment, Fungus Among Us, Yeast Past Its Code Date, Meat That's Raw, pH Tolerance of Microbes, Growing Crystals under Variable Conditions, Controlling Crystal Growth, Comparing the Differences of Clarity of Fingerprints, Effectiveness of Recycled Materials as Thermal Insulation, The Greater Insulator, How Fish Achieve Neutral Buoyancy, Frequency Relationship of Notes in Musical Harmony, Standing Waves