Electric Circuits as Seen by Thermal Imaging Cameras

Providing instant visual feedback, thermal imaging cameras are becoming more and more popular tools not only in industrial applications, but also in physics education. Continuously decreasing prices, modules compatible with smart portable devices, and intuitive operation make thermal measurements available for schools and attractive for students. This paper deals with predominantly qualitative IR experiments designed for high school or even university students. All the experiments visualize thermal processes related to the flow of current through electric circuits and are repeatedly used with high school students. The suggested experiments could be incorporated in physics lessons separately or as a complete teaching sequence summarizing the knowledge concerning Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's circuit laws, and Joule heating.