Question

What would reflect the most radiant energy based on its color?

Answer 1

White reflects the most radiant energy due to its poor absorption and high reflection properties. Among the star colors mentioned, the blue star's photons have the highest energy because blue light has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength.

Step-by-step explanation:

The color that would reflect the most radiant energy is white. Objects of different colors absorb and emit electromagnetic radiation at varying rates, with color being a significant factor in this process. Black is known to be the most effective color at absorbing and radiating energy. In contrast, white objects are the least effective at absorbing radiation and are known for their reflective properties. As an example, black asphalt absorbs more radiation and thus, is hotter during the day, but it also radiates the absorbed energy faster when temperatures drop at night, making it cooler than grey sidewalks. White objects, on the other hand, reflect almost all radiation and are comparable to a mirror in this respect.

Considering the stars in the sky - red, yellow, orange, and blue - in terms of photons, the blue star's photons carry the greatest amount of energy. This is because blue light has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency in the spectrum of visible light, which correlates with higher energy levels compared to red, yellow, or orange light.

Answer 2

Based on color, BLACK COLOR is the one that absorb most energy. Typically, a black color object absorbs all the light incident on it without reflecting any back, this light is then converted to heat energy. White color on the other hand reflect back all light without absorbing any, thus, it will absorb the least heat. All other colors fall within these two extremes.