Thermodynamics > Heat and the First Law > Radiation DCS# 4B40.10
LIGHT THE MATCH
APPARATUS
parabolic reflectors 202-06-A
match 202-02-C3
heater coil 101-12

DESCRIPTION
Show that without the reflectors, the heat source is not sufficient to light the match.  Align the two reflectors some distance apart.  Place the heat source at the focal point of one and a match at the focal point of the other.  Match will ignite, demonstrating that infrared radiation propagates and reflects in the same manner as visible light.

 
NOTES
 
Variations:
Use flash paper with a small black mark on it in place of the match, for a more dramatic demonstration.

Replace the match with a temperature probe.

Replace the hot object with a copper block cooled in liquid nitrogen.  The temperature probe will indicate a temperature drop.