Question
What determines whether an object is a net emitter or a net absorber of radiant energy?
Wood is a better insulator than glass. Yet fiberglass is commonly used as an insulator in wooden buildings. Explain.
Wood is a better insulator than glass. Yet fiberglass is commonly used as an insulator in wooden buildings. Explain.
Answers
bobpursley
Usually, the temperature of the object determines this. Heat radiated is proportional to temperature to the fourth power. So temperature rises (as it absorbs heat)until temperature is such that the heat radiated is equal to the heat absorbed.
Isn't there a lot of captured air in the fiberglass?
Isn't there a lot of captured air in the fiberglass?