A student puts a piece of black paper and a piece of white paper in the same sunny spot. After 30 minutes, she observes that the black paper feels warmer than the white paper. Which best explains the student’s observation?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The black paper receives stronger waves from the sun than the white paper.
The black paper receives stronger waves from the sun than the white paper.

The black paper prevents waves from the sun from reaching the white paper.
The black paper prevents waves from the sun from reaching the white paper.

The black paper absorbs more waves from the sun than the white paper.
The black paper absorbs more waves from the sun than the white paper.

The black paper reflects more waves from the sun than the white paper.

Answer 1

The best explanation for the student's observation is:

The black paper absorbs more waves from the sun than the white paper.

Black surfaces absorb more sunlight and other forms of electromagnetic radiation than lighter surfaces, which tend to reflect more light. This is why the black paper feels warmer than the white paper after being exposed to the sun.