An electronic device generates a significant amount of heat during operation. A metal heat sink is attached to the device to transfer thermal energy away to the surroundings.
Which combination of surface texture and colour will allow the heat sink to radiate thermal energy into the surroundings at the quickest rate?
dull black
dull white
shiny black
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.