IB Physics SL B.2.9 Greenhouse models Question Bank
Practise IB Physics SL B.2.9 by using molecular resonance and re-emission to explain how greenhouse gases warm Earth.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Physics SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- Use molecular resonance and frequency matching to explain why greenhouse gases absorb terrestrial infrared.
- Trace absorption, isotropic re-emission and returned radiation to explain warming above the no-greenhouse value.
B.2.9—Greenhouse models question 1
[Maximum number: 3]
This question is about energy sources.
A small island is situated in the Arctic. The islanders require an electricity supply but have no fossil fuels on the island. It is suggested that wind generators should be used in combination with power stations using either oil or nuclear fuel.
The emissions from the oil-fired power station in (c) are likely to increase global warming by the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Outline the mechanism by which greenhouse gases contribute to global warming.
radiation emitted by Earth in (long wavelength) infrared region; frequency corresponds to resonant frequency of greenhouse gases (either vibration or difference in energy levels); radiation absorbed by greenhouse gases is (partly) re-radiated back to Earth;
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