How Does the Color of Paper Change How Much Light Bounces Back?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does the color of paper change how much light bounces back?

The Big Idea

White paper reflects almost all colors of light, so it looks white. Black paper soaks up almost all colors, so very little light comes back to your eyes. Colored paper reflects mostly the color you see!

White Paper

Step one: white paper bounces light back. It reflects almost every color, so lots of light reaches your eyes. That makes it look bright white.

Black Paper

Step two: black paper soaks up light. It absorbs almost every color, so only a little light returns to your eyes. The light it soaks up turns into a bit of heat. Black clothes in a dark room are nearly invisible.

Colored Paper

Step three: colored paper picks one color. Red paper reflects mostly red light and soaks up the rest. That is why it looks red. Light colors bounce more light back.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! White paper bounces nearly all the light back. Black paper bounces almost none. Red paper bounces back mostly red. And in the sun, black feels warmer than white. The color of the paper decides how much light returns.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! White paper reflects almost all colors. Black paper absorbs almost all colors. A white cat stays cooler in the sun than a black one, for the same reason. In the sun, wear a hat and drink water, and never look at the Sun.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! In a dim room, shine a flashlight on a sheet of white paper. Then shine it on black paper. Which one lights up the room more? Which one feels warmer after a few minutes in the sun?

Outro

Paper color decides how much light bounces back to your eyes. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!