ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

IB Physics HL B.2.5 Solar constant S Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL B.2.5 by defining the solar constant and evaluating why its average value varies with orbit, output and measurement.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Define the solar constant at mean Earth–Sun distance and distinguish it from surface intensity after atmospheric losses.
  • Explain averaging with solar-cycle output, elliptical orbit and measurement conditions.

B.2.5—Solar constant S question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows a simplified energy-balance model for the Earth surface-atmosphere system.

Figure for Question B.2.5—Solar constant S question 1 — IB Physics HL

The following data are given:

 Average albedo of Earth =0.30 Average global temperature of the surface =288 K Average Earth-Sun distance =1.5×1011 m\begin{aligned} \text { Average albedo of Earth } & =0.30 \\ \text { Average global temperature of the surface } & =288 \mathrm{~K} \\ \text { Average Earth-Sun distance } & =1.5 \times 10^{11} \mathrm{~m} \end{aligned}

State what is meant by the solar constant.

The diagram shows a simplified energy-balance model for the Earth surface-atmosphere system.

The following data are given:

All question bank results loaded