Radiometer
by Tedco
List Price:
Our Price: $9.15
You Save: $2.84 (24%)
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Category: Toy
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: TedcoBrand: Tedco
Release Date: 2006-06-12
Model: 01800
Product features:
- Vanes in the Radiometer are alternately dark and light in color
- Vanes transfer heat to each one but not at the same degree
- Lighter vane reflects the rays and the darker vane absorbs the rays
- For ages 7 and above
- Recommened Age 6 thru adult
Toys and Games Reviews of Radiometer
Customer Review: Fascinating, But Does Not Last
Summary: 3 Stars
This fascinating little gadget has been around for years. It is the approximate size and shape of a clear, standard incandescent lightbulb, with a base to stand on. Inside, instead of a filament, there is a small structure of four square vanes held atop a sharp needle, allowing the apparatus to spin. The vanes are colored white on one side and black on the other. Through action of direct sunlight, the vanes spin; the brighter and clearer the light, the faster they spin. The physics of it are explained on an insert. No batteries required, just put it on a sunny windowsill and watch it go!
This really is a terrific and fascinating demonstration of the power of the sun. No matter that now that I am older I understand the physics of it, it is still a remarkable and awesome thing. Fun for young and old, it is probably more suitable for older children who are beginning to express interest in the workings of the world around them and for grownups who still retain a measure of wonderment of natural processes like solar power.
But for its durability, I would easily have given this five stars on coolness and educational merit alone. There is no denying that this is a delicate item, unable to withstand the rigors of a toddler's attention; mine was immediately put on a sunny windowsill where, after spinning smartly for two weeks, it quit. It seems another factor of physics, that of friction, led to its demise. Whether the cap that rests on top of the needle wasn't made of tough enough stuff or whether an initial dab of graphite lubrication manufactured-in would have helped, I don't know. (I'll not leave the question begging: Yes, it was perfectly sunny when it stopped) The vanes are not stuck, as the device does wobble and spin through physical action of rotating the unit, but they can no longer move solely through solar power.
I thought the cost reasonable initially, for such a cool device. But it's no value for a lifespan of two weeks and far more than I would have wanted to spend on a paperweight.
I am reluctant to give what really should be an excellent little scientific experiment three stars. Maybe mine was a dud - I really hope so, because like so many others I rely on ratings on Amazon to help with my purchasing decision and I would hate to think some would not be able to experience this based on ratings. Caveat emptor, then, for those who want to go for it: I think you'll love it, but it may not last.
Description of Radiometer
Experience this sphere powered by the sun! The vanes in the Radiometer are alternately dark and light in color. When the light strikes these vanes it transfers heat to each one - but not at the same degree. The lighter vane reflects the rays and the darker vane absorbs the rays. The stronger the light, the more energy there is causing the vanes to spin faster.Science Toys
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