Light absorbtion and change in temperature of liquids

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of two liquids based on temperature changes induced by light exposure, specifically focusing on the feasibility of this method without the use of a thermometer. Participants explore the variables involved, including the liquids' compositions (notably color differences) and the type of light used, as well as the impact of the containers on the experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes differentiating between two liquids by touch based on temperature changes after shining light on them, specifically considering black and white liquids.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the initial proposal, asking whether the temperature measurement is based solely on touch or if a thermometer is involved.
  • A clarification is provided that the temperature difference must be significant enough to be felt by the human hand, ruling out minute differences that would require a thermometer.
  • Further inquiry is made about the experimental setup, specifically whether the same light exposure duration would be applied to both liquid samples to determine their identities based on temperature.
  • A participant confirms that the goal is indeed to shine light on both samples for the same duration and to ascertain their identities based on the resulting temperature differences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express confusion regarding the specifics of the experimental setup and the method of differentiation, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple interpretations of the initial proposal.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of the experimental design, including the specific compositions of the liquids and the types of light to be used, which remain undefined.

Rodwen
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Hi hi,

Sorry if this is awful and boring. Basically what I want to work out is a way to differentiate two different liquids by touch (specifically, temperature) after shining a light on them. A thermometer cannot be used. The variables open here are the compositions of the liquid (I'm going with colour differences - perhaps a black and a white) and the light used. I also need to consider what effect the containers would have on this experiment.

Any ideas, riffing off my black/white idea here, or other thoughts?
 
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Rodwen said:
A thermometer cannot be used.
Rodwen said:
by touch (specifically, temperature)
Which is it?
 
Bystander said:
Which is it?

It's both! What I mean is that the temperature difference must be large enough to be perceived by the human hand. It cannot be a minute difference measurable only by a thermometer. :)
 
I'm confused about what you're wanting to do. Are you wanting to shine light one two liquid samples for the same period of time and then figure out which one is which just based on the temperature?
 
Drakkith said:
I'm confused about what you're wanting to do. Are you wanting to shine light one two liquid samples for the same period of time and then figure out which one is which just based on the temperature?
In a nutshell, yes. The question is what the composition of the liquids would need to be and what the light would need to be in order to achieve this.
 

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