A physics exhibit to show the effect of the aerosol in the atmosphere on electromagnetic wave propagation

TL;DR

This paper describes a didactic exhibit demonstrating how aerosols in the atmosphere influence electromagnetic wave propagation, including effects on light scattering and temperature changes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel educational setup that visually and quantitatively illustrates aerosol effects on electromagnetic waves in a controlled environment.

Findings

Aerosols increase scattered light within the exhibit.

Aerosols cause a cooling effect measurable by sensors.

The setup effectively demonstrates atmospheric aerosol impacts.

Abstract

In this paper it is explained the construction and utility of a didactic exhibit about the effect of aerosol in atmosphere on electromagnetic wave propagation. The exhibit is composed by a lamp simulating the Sun, a Plexiglas case (the atmosphere), white or black panels (surface albedo), a combustion chamber to supply aerosol inside the case and other equipments. There are temperature and relative humidity of air sensors and 5 light sensors to measure direct and scattered light. It is possible to measure the cooling effect of aerosol inside the case and the increasing in scattered light.