2006-09-25 03:09:30 · 4 answers · asked by unquenchablethirst 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Every atom/ molocule in an object is vibrating. This vibration causes the charged particles (ions electrons protons... etc) to under go an acceleration. And any accelerating charge produces electromagnetic radiation.
In the case that we are talking about this radiation is in the form of infared radiation (also known as heat).
If you look at any of the atoms below the surface of a substance they will emit ratiation in a random direction. almost (99.9%) all of that radiation will be absorbed before it can reach the surface of the object. So it turns out that the black body radiation of an object (this is what causes heat loss in a vaccum, it is the spontanious emmision of radiation) is dependent on what the object is made of, the temperature, and the surface area.
If the surface is rouph, it has many hills and vallies and other formations, then the surface area of the object is greater. So the ammount of black body radiation that is emited is greater. (thus in a vaccum the object would cool faster)
2006-09-25 04:11:48 · answer #1 · answered by farrell_stu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A rough surface has an increased surface area for interface with the area surrounding the radiating body.
2006-09-25 03:12:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
surface area ( but this is not a sure thing it depends also on the angles of the 'roughness' it is possible to design in 'roughness' to DECREASE radiation ) ( this is used in some industrial applications to control heat flow and retention )
2006-09-25 03:29:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is more surface area inside of, say 2 miles of the Rocky Mountains than 4 miles of desert.
Surafce area.
2006-09-25 03:33:03 · answer #4 · answered by twowords 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋