Final answer:
To investigate the absorption of infrared radiation by blankets of different colors, students should set up an experiment with blankets of identical size and material, exposed to infrared lamp radiation, and record temperature changes. The experiment should include controls and multiple trials for accurate data analysis, with the expectation that black absorbs the most heat and white the least due to the principles of radiative heat transfer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The investigation into how the color of a blanket affects how much infrared radiation is absorbed can begin by collecting materials such as blankets of different colors (including black, white, and silver), thermometers, and an infrared lamp. The experimental procedure would involve measuring the initial temperature of each blanket, then exposing them to infrared radiation from the lamp for a fixed period and measuring the temperature increase. To ensure accurate results, each blanket should be the same size and material, and all other variables kept constant.
Create a controlled environment, conduct multiple trials for each color, and record the temperature changes. After the experiment, analyze the data to draw conclusions about the relationship between blanket color and heat absorption. Black should absorb the most heat, while white should absorb the least, and the silver blanket should reflect most of the radiation, according to the principles of radiative heat transfer.