Introduction
Whether color has any effect on thermal emission? Through this science experiment, we will be determining whether the thermal emission gets affected by color in an enclosed environment. As we already know, the black body absorbs heat more rapidly than any other color. Therefore, we will find whether the black body emits and cools at a higher rate.
Aim
To determine whether the thermal emission gets affected by the color in an enclosed environment.
Theory
1. Black body absorbs heat more rapidly than any other color.
2. Every object in nature radiates energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. But the black body absorbs all the light or energy falling on it and transmits none.
3. Thermal radiation and black-body radiation are the same.
Requirements
1. Two Aluminium Blocks
2. Balck Paint
3. Two Mercury Candy Thermometers
4. Two Cardboard Boxes
5. Two Wooden Dowel Structures
6. Pen
7. Notebook
Procedure
Step 1: Use two aluminium blocks to perform this experiment as they have a large amount of mass that cools down slowly. And this would help in measuring the temperature easily.
Step 2: Both blocks should be uncoated.
Step 3: Drill a hole in each of the aluminium blocks.
Step 4: Paint one of the aluminium block black colors.
Step 5: Construct two environments, heating and cooling, to perform this experiment. Remember to control convection and conduction in these environments. Radiation will only be the variable.
Step 6: To control conduction and convection, use two wooden dowel structures and two boxes of cardboard. These boxes must have closeable openings for measuring temperature readings.
Step 7: Put a mercury candy thermometer in the drilled hole of each of the aluminium boxes.
Step 8: Check the temperature every five minutes of intervals until the graph line of recorded temperature does not become horizontal.
Observation
1. In all three experiments, we observed that the aluminium block coated with black paint cools down faster as compared to the aluminium block coated with non-black color. And this proved our hypothesis.
2. We also observed that the black aluminium block cooled down at the rate of twenty-five Celsius or more than the non-black aluminium block.
Result
1. The result of this experiment supported our hypothesis. But between the two blocks, the black aluminium block caused a difference of 25 degrees celsius at the time of the greatest rate of change.
2. This application can be used where there is a requirement for efficient cooling.
3. Although we are aware of this property, while looking around for its application, barely any were found.
Precautions
1. Black paint should be flat.
2. Record your observation carefully.
3. Wear gloves.
4. Wash your hands carefully.
Result
We performed this experiment to know whether color has any effect on thermal emission to determine whether the black material emits and cools down more rapidly than the non-black material.
VIVA Questions With Answers
Q.1 What was the aim of your experiment?
ANS. To determine whether the thermal emission gets affected by the color in an enclosed environment.
Q.2 Which color of aluminium block got heated more rapidly?
ANS. The Aluminium block, painted black, got heated more rapidly.
Q.3 Which color of aluminium block cooled down more rapidly?
ANS. Aluminium blocks painted with black color cooled down rapidly.
Q.4 Why is there barely any application of this project?
ANS. Black materials cool down rapidly, but it also gets heated up rapidly, which does not make them suitable for any use.
Q.5 What was your hypothesis?
ANS. Our hypothesis was that the black body emits and cools at a higher rate.

Saquib Siddiqui is a Mechanical Engineer with expertise in science projects and experiments. Saquib’s work focuses on integrating scientific concepts with practical applications, making complex ideas accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. In addition to his practical work, Saquib has authored several articles, research papers, and educational materials.
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