Explain in detail the energy transformations and obsorption in the following. Four different colored shirts placed in the sun. All shirts are the same except for color.
When four different colored shirts are placed in the sun, several energy transformations and absorptions occur. To understand this, we need to consider the interaction of sunlight with the different colored shirts.
1. Sunlight:
Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation that contains a range of wavelengths, including visible light. It carries energy in the form of photons.
2. Absorption:
When sunlight hits an object, such as a shirt, the shirt can absorb some of the incoming light energy. The degree of absorption depends on the material and color of the shirt.
3. Reflection:
Some of the photons from the sunlight may be reflected off the shirt's surface. The amount of reflection also depends on the material and color of the shirt.
4. Transmission:
In some cases, the photons can pass through the shirt's material, known as transmission. This generally happens when the fabric of the shirt is thin or if the color of the shirt is transparent or light-colored.
Now, let's explore how energy transformations and absorption occur with different colored shirts:
a) White Shirt:
A white shirt reflects most of the visible light it receives. It appears white because it reflects all colors equally. As a result, the energy transformation mainly involves reflection. The shirt absorbs very little light, converting it into heat.
b) Black Shirt:
A black shirt absorbs most of the visible light it receives. It appears black because it absorbs all colors rather than reflecting them. In this case, the energy transformation involves the absorption of light. The absorbed energy is converted into heat.
c) Red Shirt:
A red shirt primarily absorbs light in the longer wavelengths, such as red and near-infrared. Hence, it appears red. The shirt absorbs a significant amount of light energy, transforming it into heat. Some light may be reflected or transmitted, depending on the specific shade and fabric of the shirt.
d) Blue Shirt:
A blue shirt primarily absorbs light in the shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet. It appears blue because it absorbs the longer wavelengths of light and reflects the shorter ones. The absorbed energy is transformed into heat, and a portion of the blue light is reflected.
In summary, when four different colored shirts (white, black, red, and blue) are placed in the sun, they exhibit varying energy transformations and absorption patterns. The white shirt reflects most of the light, the black shirt absorbs most of it, while the red and blue shirts selectively absorb specific wavelengths, resulting in their respective colors. The absorbed light energy in all cases is ultimately converted into heat.