Edexcel IGCSE Physics 4.8 Radiation Emission and Absorption Questions

Practise predicting how black, white and shiny surfaces absorb, reflect or emit infrared radiation in heating and cooling contexts.

Exam points

Choose black surfaces for solar panels or thermometers because they absorb infrared radiation effectively.
Explain how shiny silver or white surfaces reduce heating by reflecting infrared radiation.
Draw and label rising temperature–time curves with the black bottle above the silver bottle as both warm.
Explain why dull black surfaces emit infrared more effectively, while shiny white or silver surfaces reduce radiative cooling.

[Maximum number: 2]

The photograph shows infrared heating lamps being used to harden fresh paint on a car.

Figure for Question Edexcel IGCSE Physics 4.8 Radiation Emission and Absorption Questions question 1 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Paint takes less time to harden when it absorbs more energy from infrared radiation.

A technician observes that white paint takes more time to harden than black paint.

Explain this observation.

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Edexcel IGCSE Physics 4.8 Radiation Emission and Absorption Questions question 1