Read the passage about Kathy's science class.

Question

Kathy's science class is learning about the behavior of light waves. To apply what they have learned, they are asked to develop a model of a house for people who live in hot environments that will keep cooling and electricity costs down. Before developing their models, their teacher had them draft ideas for the home that they could use in their models and explain their thinking.


Which list has the best ideas and explanations to conserve electricity in a hot environment?
A.
Idea Explanation
black exterior walls The color black refracts less sunlight, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.
large windows Large windows let natural light refract around corners to light the home.
shiny metal roof Shiny surfaces diffract light, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.

B.
Idea Explanation
white exterior walls The color white absorbs less sunlight, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.
large windows Large windows let natural light diffract around corners to light the home.
shiny metal roof Shiny surfaces reflect light, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.

C.
Idea Explanation
white exterior walls The color white absorbs less sunlight, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.
small windows Small windows let natural light diffract around corners to light the home.
dull shingle roof Dull surfaces refract light, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.

D.
Idea Explanation
black exterior walls The color black reflects less sunlight, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.
small windows Small windows let natural light reflect around corners to light the home.
dull shingle roof Dull surfaces absorb light, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.

Answer 1

The best list of ideas and explanations to conserve electricity in a hot environment is:

B.

• Idea: white exterior walls
  Explanation: The color white absorbs less sunlight, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.
• Idea: large windows
  Explanation: Large windows let natural light diffract around corners to light the home.
• Idea: shiny metal roof
  Explanation: Shiny surfaces reflect light, so less light will be transformed into heat energy.

Reasoning:

• The choice of white exterior walls is effective for reducing heat absorption since white reflects more sunlight compared to darker colors.
• Large windows can be beneficial for allowing natural light into the home, although the explanation in the list should emphasize minimizing heat gain.
• A shiny metal roof effectively reflects sunlight, further helping to keep temperatures down inside the house.

Lists A, C, and D have inaccuracies regarding the behavior of light waves, such as the use of incorrect terms (like "refracts" or "reflects") or inappropriate materials for energy conservation in hot climates.