Q. Do those substances which radiate heat, absorb heat also?
A. Yes. Those substances which radiate most, also absorb most heat: and those which radiate least, also absorb the least heat.
Q. Does any thing else radiate heat, besides the sun and fire?
A. Yes; all things radiate heat in some measure, but not equally well.
Q. What things radiate heat the next best to the sun and fire?
A. All dull and dark substances are good radiators of heat; but all light and polished substances are bad radiators of heat.
Q. Why does a polished metal tea-pot make better tea than a black earthen one?
A. As polished metal is a very bad radiator of heat, it keeps the water hot much longer; and the hotter the water is, the better it “draws” the tea.
Q. Why will not a dull black tea-pot make good tea?