Which coloured card best reflects light?

Hypothesis

The black card is the best at reflecting light, and the white one is the worst.

Independent Variable

  • Coloured card

Dependent Variable

  • Reflected light

Constants

  • Torch
  • Card angle
  • Distance between card and torch
  • Card size

Method

  • One person gets a piece of card and holds it vertically
  • The other person holds the torch 1 metre away and shines it on the card
  • Observe the reflected light
  • Repeat for all colours of card

Observations

A photograph showing the card lined up in order, from brightest to darkest: white, yellow, blue, green, red and black.
Observations

Conclusion

The hypothesis was not correct.

The white card is the best at reflecting light because it absorbs less light than the others. The black card is the worst at reflecting light because it absorbs more light than the others.