October 2, 2002
Contact: Anne K. Johnson (509-963-3468/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: johnsann@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Toys aren’t generally considered to have
much significance when it comes to science. But, “The Crookes
Radiometer: How a Toy Pushed the Frontiers of Physics,” the first
presentation in the fall quarter Central Washington University Natural
Science Seminar series, will discuss one example.
Dr. Andres Larraza, a physics professor at the Naval
Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., will lead the free, public
presentation slated for Friday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m. in Science Building
147.
A radiometer demonstrates the intensity of radiant energy, of
the sun or a light bulb, through the rotations of a small paddlewheel
in a partially evacuated glass bulb that turns when a source of heat is
near it or when light shines on it.
“During the talk I will present the argument that is most
often used to explain the radiometer and point out how this argument
turns out to be incorrect,” Larraza says. “The lecture, which includes
a couple of demonstrations, is a tour through the history of the
radiometer as an example of how scientific knowledge develops.”
Sir William Crookes invented the device in 1873. It remains
a popular scientific toy to this day.
“While most physicists think they know how it works, only a
few really do,” Larraza adds.
For more information about the CWU Natural Science Seminar,
or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation,
call (509) 963-2731, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.
The Naval Postgraduate School is charged with enhancing U.S.
security through graduate and professional education programs aimed at
military officers.
Its programs of research and advanced studies are directed
toward the needs of the Navy and U.S. Department of Defense. Its stated
goals are to increase combat effectiveness of U.S. armed forces and its
allies, while also contributing to fundamental scientific, engineering,
policy and operational advances that support the Navy, Defense
Department and other national security institutions.
