What gets hotter in the sun, water in a black or white cup?

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ibenavides
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:23 pm

What gets hotter in the sun, water in a black or white cup?

Post by ibenavides »

I am having a very difficult time finding research for this topic. I would really appreciate any help or any links. In reality, this project is for my third grade son and am working with him. I've already checked out google, but there is nothing I've found there. I desperately need your help in order to do this in a timely manner.

Thanks,

Ida
Ida Benavides
adance
Former Expert
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Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:06 pm
Occupation: science journalist
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Post by adance »

I googled "color absorb reflect heat" and got a few hits that might help you, like:

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/p ... y00156.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/ms2/hatchett/

Good luck!
Amber Dance
Science Buddy
ibenavides
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:23 pm

RE: Color and Heat Absorption

Post by ibenavides »

Thank you very much. I will check the links and hopefully that will help with my son's project so we can start our research paper. If you find any other things that are similar please forward them to me. Anything and everything will help!!! Thanks again.
Ida Benavides
Willz
Former Expert
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:28 pm

Post by Willz »

Here is another website that may be helpful:
http://www.colormatters.com/colorheat.html
The first part of this page explains why black objects are warmer than white objects, and how color affects heat absorption.

Hope this helps!
pdoshi
Former Expert
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2007 7:57 pm

Post by pdoshi »

Yes, dark colors like black does very much abosrb more heat and white colors.Black tends to adsorp a wider amount of energy then lighter colors which reflect more, so black surfaces are warmer then light. Color plays a huge role in the absorbtion of heat or temperature.
-Hope this helps
meredithhodgkinson
Former Expert
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:56 am

black or white cup

Post by meredithhodgkinson »

I would also google keywords like absorption, refraction, reflection, conductance. You may find info related to what you are looking for, for example, roofing, road materials, and clothing are often considered for their color and its properties.
Meredith L. Hodgkinson, Ph.D., CHES
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