Using Pyrometers can Enhance Science Fair Projects

As technology progresses, high school science projects tend to become more and more elaborate, but there are always projects soundly based on the scientific method that frequently embrace newer technology while still maintaining high integrity and reproducible results.



One item of note is the pyrometer, a device to measure surface temperature of an object. The first pyrometer was invented in 1901, using a simple thin filament heated. The user would watch for when its color matched the color of the object being measured, and that would give a temperature reading. That crude device has now evolved to instruments that measure multiple wavelengths of infrared light and an internal computer to digitally measure an accurate temperature, usually within a tenth of a degree or less. As the technology has improved, the price of pyrometers has fallen to the point where almost anyone can purchase one and students now have easy access to one.



Building Materials

A relevant science fair project using a pyrometer would be to test the insulative properties of different building materials by applying a heat source behind the items and measuring the temperature of the opposite side of the material.



Solar Science

Another would be to test what materials make the best solar ovens and which ones would be safe for cooking. The temperature of the interior of the ovens would have to be measured accurately.



Geothermal Heat

Yet another project would be to measure heat flow from one liquid to another in an attempt to identify the most efficient liquids for a geothermal heat pump.



Simple Science

Simple projects for younger students can also incorporate a pyrometer. The relationship of dissolved salt and the boiling point of water can be measured, as can the speed of a chemical reaction as temperature increases. The relationship between temperature and crystal growth can be measured, as can the heat produced by crystallization of some substances. The function and efficiency of various substances such as antifreeze can be measured and explained. By making a simple tin-copper voltaic cell, the student can measure and test the relationship of temperature, and both voltaic output and efficiency.



Many of the experiments used in modern science fairs involving temperature can use a pyrometer for better effect and more accurate measurements. There are some experiments using higher temperatures that cannot be accurately performed with a classic thermometer. Instead, pyrometers can be useful tools and can be employed frequently, but should not be a substitute for sound scientific principals.



If you are interested in finding pyrometers, be sure to visit http://www.hoytmeter.com/.