CourseCourseConceptConceptDocumentDocument

IB Physics HL B 2 8 Infrared Absorption Questions

Practise IB Physics HL B.2.8 by analysing wavelength-selective infrared absorption, molecular energy levels and greenhouse re-emission.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Explain that greenhouse-gas molecules absorb outgoing long-wave infrared radiation at matching molecular energy levels or resonant frequencies, then re-emit radiation in all directions, including towards the surface.
  • Explain how greenhouse-gas concentration and atmospheric pressure affect infrared absorption, radiation returned to a planet’s surface and its mean temperature.
  • Interpret an atmospheric absorption spectrum to identify selective infrared absorption as evidence for the greenhouse effect, distinguishing it from incoming short-wave solar radiation.

IB Physics HL B 2 8 Infrared Absorption Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

There is a proposal to place a satellite in orbit around planet Mars.

The ratio  distance of Mars from the Sun  distance of Earth from the Sun =1.5\frac{\text { distance of Mars from the Sun }}{\text { distance of Earth from the Sun }}=1.5.

The atmosphere of Mars is composed mainly of carbon dioxide and has a pressure less than 1 % of that on Earth. Outline why the mean temperature of Earth is strongly affected by gases in its atmosphere but that of Mars is not.

All question bank results loaded