Title :Heat -The effect of colour on heating by absorption of light.

Method

1. Two identical cotton shirts, one black and one white, were gathered, ensuring both shirts
were clean and dry.
2. An infrared thermometer was used to measure and record the initial temperature of each
shirt.
3. Both shirts were placed side by side on a flat outdoor surface, ensuring they received
direct sunlight exposure without obstruction.
4. The infrared thermometer was used to measure the temperature of each shirt at regular
intervals, every 5 minutes. Temperatures for both shirts were recorded throughout the
experiment.
5. Temperature monitoring continued for a predetermined duration of 30 minutes.
6. All temperature measurements were recorded accurately in a table. The time of each
measurement, temperature changes of the black shirt, temperature changes of the white
shirt, as well as the final temperature were noted.

Results

Table Showing Temperature Changes during Experiment

Time Black Black Shirt Temperature White White Shirt Temperature

(seconds) Shirt (°C) Change (°C) Shirt (°C) Change (°C)

0 27.0 27.2

180 33.5 6.5 28.0 0.8

360 36.0 9.0 28.5 1.3

540 38.0 11.0 29.0 1.8

720 39.5 12.5 29.4 2.2

900 41.0 14.0 30.2 3.0

 1080 42.3 15.3 30.6 3.4

1260 43.1 16.1 31.0 3.8

1440 43.8 16.8 31.4 4.2

1620 44.5 17.5 31.7 4.5

1800 45.2 18.2 32.0 4.8

Initial Temperature Of black shirt:27.0°C

Final Temperature of white shirt:27.2°C

Final Temperature of black shirt:45.2°C

Final temperature of white shirt:32.0°C

Temperature change= Final temperature - Initial temperature

Temperature change for white shirt=32.0°C - 27.2°C = 4.8°C

Temperature change for black shirt=45.2°C - 27.0°C = 18.2°C

Discussion
The experiment confirms that darker colours, like black, experience greater temperature
changes compared to lighter colours, such as white. At the end of the experiment, the black shirt
showed a temperature change of 18.2°C, while the white shirt showed a change of 4.8°C. This
significant difference underscores the impact of colour on heat absorption.Conversely, lighter
colours reflect more light and absorb less, resulting in lower temperature changes.
The data consistently shows that the black shirt absorbed more sunlight energy, resulting in
higher temperature changes compared to the white shirt. This indicates the superior heat
absorption capability of darker colours.
Overall, the experiment demonstrates that colour choice affects heat absorption, with darker
colours absorb more sunlight energy and experiencing greater temperature changes. These
findings are relevant for architectural design and other applications where energy efficiency and
thermal comfort are important considerations.
Sources of error

1. Variations in sunlight intensity could have affected the rate of temperature change in the
shirts.
2. The possibility of fluctuations in environmental conditions, such as cloud cover or
shading, may have influenced the accuracy of the experiment.

Precautions

1. The infrared thermometer was calibrated to ensure accurate temperature readings, with
measurements taken at regular intervals.
2. Variables were carefully controlled, including ensuring both shirts received the same
sunlight exposure, to minimise the impact of confounding factors.

Limitations

1. Conducting the experiment outdoors introduced a limitation due to reliance on

environmental conditions that could not be fully controlled.
2. The inability to replicate laboratory-like conditions outdoors is recognized as a limitation,
potentially affecting the reliability of the results.

Reflection

The findings of the experiment are relevant to real-life scenarios, particularly in architectural
design, where decisions regarding exterior colours can impact energy efficiency and thermal
comfort. Conducting the experiment has enhanced understanding of the relationship between
colour and heat absorption and highlighting the importance of colour selection in various
applications. No adjustments were made.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experiment demonstrated that darker colours, such as black, are more efficient
in absorbing sunlight and experiencing greater temperature changes compared to lighter colours,
such as white.