Four identical metal containers are filled with the same volume of water at 85 ∘C85\ ^\circ\text{C}85 ∘C. The containers are then placed in a room at a temperature of 21 ∘C21\ ^\circ\text{C}21 ∘C. The containers are identical except for the texture and colour of their surfaces.
Which surface will emit thermal radiation at the slowest rate?
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.