Ritchie's apparatus for the radiation of heat
Date: 1880-1890
Inventory Number: 1998-1-0170
Classification: Radiation Demonstration Apparatus
Attributed to: James W. Queen & Company (1853 - 1893)
Inventor: Edward Samuel Ritchie (1814 - 1895)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
39.6 x 35.2 x 19 cm (15 9/16 x 13 7/8 x 7 1/2 in.)
Description:
This apparatus consists of three columns with metallic reservoirs. The two at each end are essentially a differential air thermometer, with cylindrical reservoirs on top of a glass tube connecting them together. Pieces of cork seal the reservoirs. The latter's faces are covered in black (with lampblack) on one side and white paint on the other.
The middle column, resting on a small wooden pedestal, is insulated with glass and supports a reservoir, similarly covered in black and white. (Piece of cork missing.) This column, futhermore, moves sideways. A scale divided in centimeters (0-8) is used to determine the position of the central column relative to the other two. The whole apparatus rests on a wooden base with four feet.
Original retail price in 1887: $20.00.
The middle column, resting on a small wooden pedestal, is insulated with glass and supports a reservoir, similarly covered in black and white. (Piece of cork missing.) This column, futhermore, moves sideways. A scale divided in centimeters (0-8) is used to determine the position of the central column relative to the other two. The whole apparatus rests on a wooden base with four feet.
Original retail price in 1887: $20.00.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
FunctionTo show the relation of radiation and absorption. Water (sometimes mercury) is introduced into the glass tube that makes up the differential air thermometer. The reservoirs linked with the tube contain only air. The pieces of cork on top of them ensures they are hermetically sealed.
When hot water is poured into the central reservoir, it radiates heat in both directions. The black and white faces are then put in opposition. Since black absorps more heat than white, the reservoir that has its black face turned toward the central column heats the air better and more, creating a pressure that moves the water in the tube towards the other column at the far end of the apparatus. By moving the central column closer or farther, we get a qualitative look at heat radiation.
When hot water is poured into the central reservoir, it radiates heat in both directions. The black and white faces are then put in opposition. Since black absorps more heat than white, the reservoir that has its black face turned toward the central column heats the air better and more, creating a pressure that moves the water in the tube towards the other column at the far end of the apparatus. By moving the central column closer or farther, we get a qualitative look at heat radiation.
Primary SourcesJames W. Queen & Co., Catalogue of Mathematical and Engineering Instruments and Materials (Philadelphia: James W. Queen & Co., 1887), 61. [online here in Google Books.]