Solar Power(C) NYS Trial Event

[overdramatic]

Eh, I just read the clarification on the NY Sci Oly site. I hope they use the reflector at Western LI regionals.

[Flavorflav]

I wouldn't hold your breath until you get a clarification from State on this event. Whether or not the lamp has a reflector will probably depend on your region anyway, so try contacting the regional coordinator.

Well, I feel pretty stupid now. The clarification seems to have already been up when I said that.

This is actually kind of a problem. A naked light bulb is a naked light bulb, but reflectors come in all shapes, sizes and reflectivities. How can you predict your delta T if you don't have the same kind of reflector as the test setup will use?

[Glacierguy1]

When he says it is the one used in earth science classes, does that imply a certain shaped reflector?

[Flavorflav]

It doesn't, but I think Harold thinks it does.

[Coach Marz]

I have your answer, ALMOST. I have been in contact with them before the clarification rules went up. At least in Western Regionals, it will be a dome or cone. I was not sure what size, but it was implied that at states they will be using 10" aluminum domes, typically found in any science classroom ( can also be purchased at HOME DEPOT for a few bucks) , so they will most likely attempt to use the same.

Don't take this at 100% because at Western LI there are many teams and they might not have enough domes, so they may have smaller cones. Although smaller they may direct the light better. No matter what, everyone should test under the same conditions (I HOPE!) I am coaching the event, so I am telling my students to create data tables for both. You have plenty of time from now until the event to create new graphs.

Also, what type of increase are you getting?

Hope this helps
Good Luck

[Flavorflav]

We're still testing variables with a 40 Watt, so no real numbers to report as of yet.

[overdramatic]

Same here. My coach is an Earth Science teacher and she had one of those domes already attached to the lamp we were using but we originally took it off since we weren't sure if there was going to be a dome on top. However, now that we know we can use it, its very helpful. We're still testing different materials and designs at this point.

And does anyone know about what exactly they mean about the thermometer/probe being easily insertable? I mean, if your device enclosed the beaker in a box but you had a sort of "door" on the side through which the thermometer could be inserted, that's okay right?

[Glacierguy1]

I would think so, but I heard that at the invitational my team went to last week (I wasn't there) that they left the thermometer in the whole time, so that might not be okay.

[Flavorflav]

I don't think they should leave it in the whole time. You might be measuring temperature change inside the thermomter instead of inside the water, at least to some extent. Plus, we were thinking of some kind of door arrangement as well, which wouldn't work so well if the probe/thermometer was left in.

[Glacierguy1]

Would this question get a clarification from the state, or would it be up to the discretion of the supervisor?