-----Original Message-----
From: Herbert H Gottlieb [mailto:herbgottlieb@JUNO.COM]
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 1999 10:46 PM
ADIABATIC HEATING. A considerable temperature increase occurs when a
rubber band is stretched. Hold a thick rubber band against your upper
lip and extend it quickly. Your lip can sense the increase in
temperature. Allow the rubber band to contract rapidly and note that it
suddenly becomes colder.
I'm reminded of a neat application of this effect. Construct a
small insulated box and anchor a rubber band inside. Stretch the rubber
band through a small hole in the side of the box, and attach it to a small
dowel to keep it from fully retracting into the box. Pull the rubber
band suddenly and hold it in the stretched position until it comes to room
temperature. Now release the tension on the rubber band and let it return
to its relaxed position. After a few seconds, repeat. You've built a
small heat engine which operates as a refrigerator!
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"Before I came here I was confused about this subject.
Having Listened to your lecture, I am still confused, but
on a higher level."
- Enrico Fermi
***********************************************************************
George Spagna
Department of Physics
Randolph-Macon College
P.O. Box 5005
Ashland, VA 23005-5505
phone: (804) 752-7344 FAX (804) 752-4724
e-mail: gspagna@rmc.edu http://www.rmc.edu/~gspagna/