Two identical metal containers are filled with equal volumes of hot water at the same initial temperature. One container has a shiny silver outer surface, and the other has a matte black outer surface. After some time, the water in the shiny silver container is found to be warmer than the water in the matte black container.
Which statement explains why the water in the shiny silver container cools down more slowly?
Shiny silver surfaces are poor emitters of infrared radiation.
Shiny silver surfaces are good emitters of infrared radiation.
Shiny silver surfaces are poor conductors of heat.
Shiny silver surfaces are good absorbers of infrared radiation.
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.