The radiometer is a commonly known toy that presents interesting features for scientific demonstrations in the field of the kinetic theory of rarefied gases. If a light beam is shined upon it, the radiometer starts moving in a manner that is, at first, quite unexpected. A simplified model is presented to illustrate its behavior in steady state operation. Some implications of the law of interaction between a rarefied gas and a solid surface are illustrated by the model.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1977 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1977
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
