Re: [Phys-L] Solar Constant Puzzle.

[rjensen@ualberta.ca]

Sure, I'll bite.

I see two factors: heat flux and heat capacity.

Given identical exteriors in steady state, the heat flux is constant.
Thus the temperatures are constant.

The heat capacities of the solid cylinders is greater than the cans,
so the tin cans will reach steady state faster. The cans are more
responsive to changing solar irradiation.

 Dr. Roy Jensen
(==========)-----------------------------------------¤
 Lecturer, Chemistry
 E5-33F, University of Alberta
 780.248.1808




On Mon, 26 May 2014 09:57:56 -0500, you wrote:

> Today's  physics puzzle:
>
> Let's suppose you wanted to do a determination of the Solar Constant 
> using a two cylinders of aluminum blackened with candle soot,  one of 
> them shaded from direct sunlight and provided with an electrical heater.
>
> And suppose I wanted to replicate your determination of the Solar 
> Constant using two empty tin cans of the same size and surface area.
>
> Which cylinders would develop the higher surface temperature in the 
> steady state: the solid aluminum ones, or the empty blackened tin-cans?
>
> Brian Whatcott     Altus OK    Indian Territory.
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