Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy using electromagnetic waves, which includes visible light, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays and microwaves and radio waves. A camera flash is designed to give off a whole lot of visible light in a short amount of time. The black ink in the newspaper absorbs this radiation and increases in temperature, while the blank paper reflects the light and does not warm up nearly as much.
Let us know in the comments below if you think this demo is something you would use in your classroom.
This video was produced by The Little Shop of Physics at Colorado State University in partnership with GE.
