Which existing technology did Sir William Herschel use as his primary detector for measuring radiation effects?
Answer
The thermometer.
When Sir William Herschel conducted his groundbreaking experiments in 1800 to map the heating effects of sunlight, he relied on existing, relatively simple scientific tools rather than inventing a new electronic detection system. His primary detection mechanism involved using thermometers placed along the spectrum created by a prism. By observing the mercury or alcohol levels in these thermometers, he could measure and compare the thermal energy present at different points, leading directly to the discovery of the invisible calorific rays beyond the red visible light.
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