A student investigates how the surface color of a container affects the portion of heat lost through radiation.

Plan an experiment which will enable her to investigate how changing the color of the outer surface of a container affects the rate of cooling of hot water inside.

The apparatus available includes:

• several identical metal cans, each with the outer surface painted a different color
• a supply of hot water
• lids to fit the cans
• a measuring cylinder.

In your plan:

• list any additional apparatus needed
• explain briefly how to do the experiment, including the measurements to take so that the rate of cooling can be determined
• state the key variables to keep constant
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to show how to display the readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain how to use the readings to reach a conclusion.

You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.