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Old 09-21-2012, 12:25 PM   #564
scyzer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sierra View Post
If white reflects light and heat, while black absorbs light and heat then isn't it logical that black is the best colour to emit heat rather than white?
A good insulator will reflect heat and stay relatively cool[white] while a poor insulator will absorb heat and get hot[black].

That's why most radiators are black or were at one time and not white because black emits more heat from the inside to the cooling air, whereas white would be an insulating reflective barrier by comparison.
Found a good old r/AskScience Reddit chain that discusses this in more detail.

http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/c...ght_or/c15pbfk
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