Chapter 6: Light

Try it: Blackbody Radiation

A black object at room temperature placed directly in the radiation from the sun will initially absorb more energy than it radiates. As a result its temperature will rise, and that will rapidly increase the power it radiates. This will go on until the object reaches an equilibrium temperature where it radiates as much energy as it absorbs.

Get a feel for this process by placing black and white objects (pieces of paper will do) in the sunlight. Wrap an ice cube in white cloth and put them in the sunlight -- what happens?