Sarah's group designed this oven and eventually melted the chocolate, but it took a very long time. Sarah suggested a design modification: she thought they should cover the bottom of the box with black paper and leave the aluminum foil up above. Is Sarah correct? Why or why not?

Question

Responses

A No. The top and bottom should be covered with aluminum foil to reflect the rays of the sun.No. The top and bottom should be covered with aluminum foil to reflect the rays of the sun.

B No. The bottom and sides of the box should be covered with rolled up newspapers to help insulate the box.No. The bottom and sides of the box should be covered with rolled up newspapers to help insulate the box.

C Yes. A black bottom will absorb more heat energy when the sunlight is reflected into the box by the foil.Yes. A black bottom will absorb more heat energy when the sunlight is reflected into the box by the foil.

D Not completely. Sarah is correct about the bottom. It should be black. But the rest of the box should be black to absorb heat energy.

Answer 1

C Yes. A black bottom will absorb more heat energy when the sunlight is reflected into the box by the foil.

This is correct because black materials are effective at absorbing heat, which can help to increase the temperature inside the oven when sunlight is directed into the box by the reflective aluminum foil above.