Four identical metal plates are painted either black or white and have either a dull or a shiny surface.
They are heated to the same high temperature.
Which plate radiates thermal energy at the lowest rate?
The plate that is dull and black
The plate that is dull and white
The plate that is shiny and black
The plate that is shiny and 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.