Crookes radiometer meaning

The Crookes radiometer demonstrates the conversion of light energy into mechanical motion through the interaction of light and gas molecules.


Crookes radiometer definitions

Word backwards sekoorC retemoidar
Part of speech The word "Crookes radiometer" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division Crookes / ra-di-om-e-ter
Plural The plural of Crookes radiometer is Crookes radiometers.
Total letters 17
Vogais (4) o,e,a,i
Consonants (7) c,r,k,s,d,m,t

Crookes Radiometer: Shedding Light on Light

What is a Crookes Radiometer?

A Crookes radiometer is an ingenious device invented by Sir William Crookes in 1873. It consists of a glass bulb containing a partial vacuum with a set of vanes inside that are mounted on a spindle. The vanes are usually black on one side and white on the other. When exposed to light or heat, the vanes start to rotate, demonstrating what is known as the "radiation pressure."

How Does it Work?

The Crookes radiometer operates based on the principle of thermal transpiration and the photoelectric effect. When light or heat is directed towards the vanes, the black side absorbs more radiation, causing the molecules on that side to heat up and move faster. This leads to higher pressure on the black side compared to the white side, resulting in the rotation of the vanes.

Uses and Applications

While the Crookes radiometer is primarily used for educational purposes and as a novelty item, it has also found applications in scientific research. It has been used to study the effects of radiation pressure and to demonstrate principles of thermodynamics and energy conversion. Additionally, some modern versions of the radiometer are used in vacuum technology and nanotechnology research.

Significance and Legacy

Sir William Crookes' invention of the radiometer not only provided a simple yet effective way to demonstrate the effects of radiation pressure but also contributed to the understanding of light and heat transfer mechanisms. The radiometer continues to be a popular scientific toy and a symbol of scientific curiosity and ingenuity.


Crookes radiometer Examples

  1. The Crookes radiometer is a heat engine that runs on sunlight.
  2. Scientists often use a Crookes radiometer to demonstrate the principles of thermal motion.
  3. The Crookes radiometer spins when exposed to light due to the temperature difference between the black and white sides of the vanes.
  4. You can find Crookes radiometers as desk toys or educational tools in science classrooms.
  5. The Crookes radiometer can also be used to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation.
  6. Invented by Sir William Crookes, the Crookes radiometer has been a popular scientific device for over a century.
  7. Crookes radiometers are often used in physics experiments to study the effects of radiation.
  8. The Crookes radiometer is a simple yet fascinating device that showcases the power of light energy.
  9. Many people enjoy watching the Crookes radiometer spin as a form of visual entertainment.
  10. Students can learn about thermodynamics and radiation by observing the Crookes radiometer in action.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 21:24:45