3 ms·

Why isn't it black?

• Zenst 8y ago
  Probably due to "It can absorb any wavelength of light from UV to microwaves", playing a factor. I'd speculate that the infrared spectrum as fully encompassed by that range being the primary target for energy transfer and with that, a red bias as seen in the picture would be logical. Whilst it can absorb energy in the range specified - how efficient it is along that range is another question. Another aspect, by not being black, I'd expect it to radiate heat less. But then, like many, so many question, so little data.
  • itronitron 8y ago
    if it's absorbing all wavelengths of light then it should appear black, because it is not reflecting any light
    • Zenst 8y ago
      Not if it absorbs more in one part of the spectrum than other parts. For example an object could absorb red,green and blue light. But absorbs red and blue light more than the green and as such would appear green. Gets down to if the absorption rate is liner - which it almost definitely is not going to be the case here and as I suspect, an absorption bias in the infrared spectrum is at play.