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Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Does colour affect temperature?

Does colour affect temperature?

Published: Jul 2, 2024 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

The colour of an object is the colour it reflects, while other colours are absorbed. White reflects all the colours of the spectrum, while black absorbs all the colours, reflecting very little back.

Visible white light from the sun consists of seven colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. When white light hits a white object, all the colours are reflected back. When white light hits a red object, red is reflected back, and the other colours are absorbed.

Diagram showing why we see colours as the colour they are.visible white light split into 7 colours

It’s thought that humans can see around 1 million different colours!

In this investigation, ice cubes are placed on black and white paper plates to demonstrate that a black surface absorbs heat faster than a white surface, which reflects most of the light and heat away.

Colour and temperature investigation

You’ll need

Two equal sized ice cubes

Black and white paper plates or cardstock.

Timer

Sunny day

Instructions

Find a sunny spot and place one ice cube on a square of black card and one on a square of white card. Both ice cubes must be in direct sunlight or both in the shade.

Time how long each ice cube takes to melt.

ice on black and white card for a melting science experiment
ice cubes melting on lack and white card for a does colour affect temperature science activity
ice melting on black and white card

The photos show that the ice cube on the black card melted much faster than the one on the white card, which is what we expected to happen. The black card heated up faster than the white and melted the ice cube more quickly.

Extension tasks

Try the activity again using more colours.

Design a t-shirt for a hot day, thinking about the best colours to use. Remember, black absorbs heat, and lighter colours reflect it.

More easy science for kids

See first-hand how light travels in straight lines with a light maze.

Find out how to make a rainbow on a sunny day.

Find out where visible light is on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Science concepts

Light

Electromagnetic spectrum

Vision

ice cubes on different colour plates for a colour and temperature science investigation

Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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