Two identical metal cylinders, one painted matte black and the other polished silver, are initially at the same temperature. They are first placed outside in direct, bright sunlight. Later, they are moved into a dark, cold room to cool down.
Which cylinder shows the faster rate of temperature increase in the sunlight, and which cylinder shows the faster rate of temperature decrease in the cold room?
Faster rate of temperature increase: matte black; Faster rate of temperature decrease: matte black
Faster rate of temperature increase: matte black; Faster rate of temperature decrease: polished silver
Faster rate of temperature increase: polished silver; Faster rate of temperature decrease: matte black
Faster rate of temperature increase: polished silver; Faster rate of temperature decrease: polished silver
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.