IB Physics SL B 2 9 Greenhouse Models Questions
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
- Identify molecular resonance or energy-level differences as the property that lets greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation.
- Calculate a greenhouse gas’s natural vibration frequency from its period and compare it with solar and terrestrial infrared frequencies to predict which radiation is absorbed.
- Explain how Earth-emitted long-wave infrared is absorbed by greenhouse gases and re-emitted in all directions, with some returning to warm the surface.
IB Physics SL B 2 9 Greenhouse Models Questions 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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