Infrared absorption depends on color and surface texture

Steps:

• Identify that good absorbers of infrared (heat) radiation follow principles similar to visible light: dark colors absorb more than light colors.
• Recall that shiny (polished) surfaces reflect radiation, reducing absorption, while dull (matt) surfaces trap and absorb more.
• Apply Kirchhoff's law of thermal radiation: good absorbers are also good emitters, and ideal blackbodies are dark and rough.
• Match to options: black absorbs, dull enhances absorption by minimizing reflection.

Why A is correct:

• Black surfaces absorb most infrared radiation, and dull texture prevents reflection, maximizing absorption per Kirchhoff's law.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Shiny texture reflects infrared, making it a poor absorber despite black color.
• C: White reflects infrared, regardless of dull texture.
• D: White and shiny both promote reflection of infrared.

Final answer: A