CourseCourseConceptConceptDocumentDocument

IB Physics SL B 2 3 Albedo Questions

Practise IB Physics SL B.2.3 by calculating albedo from reflected and incident radiation and applying it to planetary energy-balance problems.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Calculate albedo as reflected power divided by incident power, compare surfaces, and use reflected-to-absorbed ratios to find the absorbed fraction.
  • Use a planetary energy-balance model to calculate reflected, absorbed or radiated intensity, including the condition for constant temperature.
  • Explain how atmospheric or surface albedo changes absorbed solar energy and temperature, including the feedback when reflective ice melts.
  • Estimate ice-melt time by applying the non-reflected fraction of incident solar power to the energy required for melting under stated assumptions.

IB Physics SL B 2 3 Albedo Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The Moon has no atmosphere and orbits the Earth. The diagram shows the Moon with rays of light from the Sun that are incident at 90∘90^{\circ} to the axis of rotation of the Moon.

Figure for Question IB Physics SL B 2 3 Albedo Questions question 1 — IB Physics SL

The albedo of the Earth's atmosphere is 0.28 . Outline why the maximum temperature of a black body on the Earth when the Sun is overhead is less than that at point A on the Moon.

All question bank results loaded