Why Do Polar Bears Look White If Their Skin Is Black?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do polar bears look white if their skin is black?

The Big Idea

A polar bear looks white because its hairs scatter light, not because they are white! Each hair is clear and has no color of its own. Under all that fur, the bear's skin is black.

Clear Hairs

Step one: look at the hairs. A polar bear's hairs are clear and colorless. They have no white pigment at all.

Scatter Light

Step two: bounce the light. Sunlight hits the hairs and scatters in all directions. All the colors bounce back together, and that mix looks white, just like crushed ice.

Black Skin

Step three: warm the skin. Under the fur, the skin is black, which helps soak up the Sun's warmth. Thick fur and fat keep the bear warm in the Arctic cold.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Each hair is clear and colorless. Light scatters in every direction. That makes the fur look white. Underneath, the skin is dark and soaks up warmth.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Snow looks white for the same reason, because tiny ice crystals scatter light. Polar bear fur can look yellow or creamy in some light. Bears have a thick layer of fat under the skin too. Only watch polar bears from a safe distance, like at a zoo or on a video.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Ask a grown-up to help you crush ice cubes in a zip bag wrapped in a towel. Compare the clear cubes with the white crushed ice. Many tiny surfaces scatter the light. That is just like polar bear fur.

Outro

Polar bear fur is clear, but it looks white. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!