PURPOSE: To see convection currents.

DESCRIPTION: The irregular refraction patterns created by convection currents in air heated from below are easily seen when a light from a projector shines through the air onto a screen. This phenomenon is often seen when the sun shines brightly onto surfaces like cars and roads, and is responsible for the twinkling of stars.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES:

EQUIPMENT: Hot plate and point source of light.

SETUP TIME: 5 min..

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