An outdoor metal storage tank is used to store liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). To prevent the gas from heating up and expanding dangerously on a sunny day, the tank is designed to minimize the absorption of thermal radiation from sunlight.
Which surface texture and color would be best for the outer surface of the storage tank?
dull black
shiny black
dull white
shiny white
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.