Reflectivity of Light
Recommended for grades 5–12.
Introduction
Light is reflected differently from various surfaces and colors. An understanding of these differences is useful in choosing colors and materials for clothing, in choosing colors for cars, and in city planning. Astronomers use reflectivity differences to help determine characteristics of planets. In this experiment, you will be measuring the percent reflectivity (albedo) of various colors. You will measure reflection values from paper of various colors using a computerinterfaced Light Sensor and then compare these values to the reflection value of aluminum foil. The aluminum foil will arbitrarily be assigned a reflectivity of 100 percent. You will then calculate percent reflectivity using the relationship
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Light Sensor to measure reflected light.
- Calculate percent reflectivity of various colors.
- Make conclusions using the results of the experiment.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Physical Science with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.