Final answer:
The temperature on the thermometer will decrease when covered with aluminum foil due to the reflective properties of the foil, which prevent direct sunlight from reaching and heating the thermometer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a piece of aluminum foil is placed between the lamp and the thermometer, the temperature of the thermometer is likely to decrease. This is because aluminum foil acts as a reflective shield, preventing the direct sunlight from hitting the thermometer's bulb. As a result, less heat reaches the thermometer, and it absorbs less energy, leading to a lower temperature reading compared to when the thermometer is directly exposed to the sun.
Aluminum foil has reflective properties that make it suitable for insulation purposes, reflecting a significant portion of the incident light and radiant heat away from the thermometer's surface. This reflective action inhibits heat transfer by radiation.
By conducting these take-home experiments, students can observe the properties of temperature measurement and the effects of shielding on heat transfer.