HOW DIFFERENTLY COLORED OR TREATED SURFACES ABSORB HEAT UNDER SUNLIGHT?
NURUL AINUN BINTI MUHAMMAD NOR (2024542503)
NURUL AINUN BINTI MUHAMMAD NOR (2024542503)
Surfaces absorb solar radiation differently based on their color and material treatment. Understanding how these factors influence heat absorption is crucial for applications ranging from building design to clothing choices and solar energy optimization.
HOW COLOR AFFECTS HEAT ABSORPTION
Dark-colored surfaces (like black or navy) tend to absorb more heat than light-colored ones (like white or yellow). This happens because dark colors absorb most wavelengths of light and convert them to heat, while light colors reflect more sunlight.
SURFACE TREATMENT EFFECTS
Smooth, shiny, or reflective surfaces can reduce heat absorption by reflecting more sunlight. Matte or rough surfaces, on the other hand, absorb more heat.
WHAT DID WE TEST?
We placed equal-sized metal plates (or other materials) with different colors or treatments (e.g., black, white, foil-covered, painted) under direct sunlight for a fixed period. We then measured their surface temperatures with a thermometer or infrared sensor.
WHAT DID WE FIND?
Black surfaces absorbed the most heat.
White or reflective surfaces showed the lowest temperature rise.
Rough or matte finishes absorbed more heat than shiny ones.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Helps in designing energy-efficient buildings (roof colors, wall paints).
Useful in clothing design for hot or cold climates.
Important for solar panel efficiency and thermal engineering.
Joseph Black (1728–1799) was a Scottish physicist and chemist known for his pioneering work on latent heat and specific heat. Although he did not study sunlight directly, his discoveries laid the foundation for understanding how materials absorb and retain heat, which is essential for analyzing the effects of sunlight on various surfaces.
Heat Absorption from Sunlight Surfaces exposed to sunlight absorb solar radiation. This energy is converted into thermal energy, increasing the surface's temperature.
Factors That Affect Heat Absorption Color: Dark surfaces (like black) absorb more heat than light surfaces (like white).
Texture: Matte surfaces absorb more, while glossy surfaces reflect more sunlight.
Material: Metal, plastic, wood, and fabric respond differently to heat based on thermal conductivity.