It's well-established in physics that black or dark-colored objects radiate heat faster and more effectively than light-colored objects.

So, in almost every building that uses steam heat, why are the radiators painted silver or some other very light color?

(In reply to Guess by jusgre)

>> ...to prevent fire?

Nope. The steam in radiators is close to 100 degrees C. The ignition point of most flammable objects is over 250 degrees C. Absent things like magnifying glasses or parabolic mirrors, radiation won't make the sink hotter than the source.

Posted by Jim Lyon on 2002-09-26 13:13:44