Do Identical Cans with Different Colors Reach the Same Water Temperature?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the thermal properties of two identical cans, one black and one white, containing equal masses of water, subjected to the same power of radiation. It concludes that the water in both cans will not reach the same temperature due to the differing absorption rates of the colors; the black can absorbs more radiation, leading to a higher water temperature. Therefore, if the black can reaches 50 ºC, the white can will not reach the same temperature under identical conditions, indicating that the initial temperatures of the water were likely different.

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Suppose the following experience:
Two identical cans one black and one white with equal mass of water inside.
We focus radiation at the same power on each.
After enough time, that we want, do the water will reach the same temperature in both cans?
If not, can we conclude that the water was at different temperatures in the cans at the beginning of the experiment?
 
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SciencePF said:
After enough time, that we want, do the water will reach the same temperature
Please explain what you mean by this.
 
Suppose that the water in the black can goes to 50 ºC. Is it possible that the water in the white can goes to 50ºC, if we gave it enough time, maintaining same initial conditions?
 

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