Two identical metal cans, one painted dull black and the other polished shiny silver, are filled with equal masses of cold water at the same initial temperature. If both cans are placed at an equal distance from a radiant heat source, the temperature of the water in the dull black can rises more quickly.
Why does the water in the dull black can heat up more quickly?
Dull black surfaces are better conductors of heat than shiny surfaces.
Dull black surfaces are better emitters of radiation than shiny surfaces.
Dull black surfaces are better absorbers of radiation than shiny surfaces.
Dull black surfaces are better reflectors of radiation than shiny surfaces.
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.