A student investigates how the colour of the outer surface of a metal container affects the rate at which it absorbs thermal energy from a radiant heat source. She knows that dark, matt surfaces are generally better absorbers of thermal radiation than light, shiny surfaces, and wants to investigate this quantitatively using other colours.
The following apparatus is available:
She can also use other apparatus and materials that are usually available in a school laboratory.
Plan an experiment to investigate the effect of the colour of the outer surface of a metal container on its rate of absorption of thermal radiation. You are not required to carry out this investigation.
You should:
301 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy, covering 2.3.1a Thermal conductors and thermal insulators, 2.3.1b Explaining thermal conduction, 2.3.2 Convection, 2.3.3a Thermal radiation, 2.3.3b Surface colour and texture, 2.3.3c Rate of emission and absorption of radiation, and 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.