Thermodynamics
In the Spotlight
Radiant Heat
Most students' life experience will tell them that dark objects absorb more heat, and these Radiation Cans are perfect to quantify the effect. But what about cooling? Use these cans to help your students understand that the color of matter also affects the emission of radiant heat. This set of Radiation Cans includes three aluminum cans-- identical except for their surface finishes: silver (unpainted), white, and flat black. In this example, two cans were used, and the black can (lower green line) clearly is transferring the heat energy from the hot water to the environment much more quickly than the silver can.
