4. Why will the leaves of a red rose be warmed more than the petals when illuminated with red light? How does this relate to people in the hot desert wearing white clothes?

Answer 1

The leaves are green (or a color other than red) and they absorb red light. The red petals reflect red light. People in the desert wear white. That reflects the heat and light. Wearing black will absorb the light (and heat). One of the most telling ways of demonstrating this is to go to a car lot on a bright sunny day. With your hand, touch the hood of a black car, then touch the hood of a white car. Can you tell the difference? You bet you can.