Infrared radiation and surfaces

Here are three different coloured mugs of the same size

If we fill all three mugs with the same amount of water and leave them in the sun, which one will heat up quickest?

The black mug would heat up quickest because black is good at absorbing infrared radiation.

A dark surface is also a good emitter of radiation A dark surface is also a good emitter of radiation. A light shiny surface is a poor emitter of radiation.

The inside of a vacuum flask is silver to reduce infrared radiation and stop your drink heating up or cooling down too quickly.

This is why the houses in the Mediterranean are white This is why the houses in the Mediterranean are white. It helps them stay cool in the summer!