Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello
My child is doing a science project- she will apply different sunscreens (all the same spf) on hotdogs placed under a light. She wants to find out if the price of the sunscreen determines the potency. We found out that the light bulb that would most simulate the sun , can not be purchased without a license where we live. I have thought about a heat light as an alternative but don't know. What type of light bulb do you suggest would be a good alternative? Lastly, because of the skins/coatings and preservatives- what type of hotdog should be used?

Thank you for your help,
Roni

Hi Roni,

As I see it, there are two parts to your question:
1. simulation of sunlight and 2. measurement of sunlight. Doing a google search for "simulate sunshine" yields lots of good output.

2. Doing a google search on "measure sunlight" is somewhat problematic. Some expense seems to be involved. All the methods proposed used some type of equipment: e.g., light sensors or some elaborate scientific equipment. Your hot dog method may be ideal; I just haven't see it referenced anywhere.

As a guess, I would vary the skin of the hot dog based on whatever results you get during trial runs, i.e., if the hot dogs are heating too quickly, use thicker skinned hot dogs and vice versa.