Question

Explain the following as regards the solar heater:

1. Why the pipe is fixed to a dark-coloured collector plate.
2. Why the pipe is made of copper
3. Why the pipe is coiled several times 
4. Why the collector plate is fixed to an insulator
5. Why the panel front is covered with glass.

Answer 1

• To get heated faster since dark is a good absorber and emitter
• To conduct heat needed for heating water.
• To increase the surface area for heating
• To minimize heat losses to the environment
• To prevent escape of the reflected radiant heat which has a longer wavelength