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

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.
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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 generally absorb more light (and thus more energy) compared to white surfaces, which reflect more light. This increased absorption leads to a higher temperature for the black paper.