A student is investigating whether the surface color of a container affects the rate at which hot water cools down.

The following apparatus is available:

• $250{cm}^3$ matte black metal container
• $250{cm}^3$ shiny silver metal container
• $250{cm}^3$ gloss white metal container
• kettle (to provide hot water)
• measuring cylinder
• thermometer
• stopwatch
• cardboard lids for the containers (each with a small hole for a thermometer)

Other apparatus normally used in the school laboratory is also available.

Plan an experiment to investigate whether the surface color of a container affects the rate at which hot water cools. You are not required to carry out this investigation.

You should:

• explain briefly how you would carry out the investigation
• state the key variables that you would control
• draw a table, or tables, with column headings to show how you would display your readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table)
• explain briefly how you would use your readings to reach a conclusion.