IB Physics SL B.2.4 Earth's Albedo Variation

Practise explaining why Earth's albedo and local solar intensity require averages, using cloud cover, latitude, season, time of day and surface type as evidence-based factors.

Exam points

explain daily or seasonal albedo variation through changing cloud cover and solar geometry
compare latitude or surface types by linking incidence angle, snow, ocean or vegetation to reflection
justify a global average because weather, location and surface conditions vary across space and time

[Maximum number: 2]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about solar radiation and the greenhouse effect. Part 2 is about a mass on a spring.

Part 1 Solar radiation and the greenhouse effect
The following data are available.

Table for Question B.2.4—Earth’s albedo variation question 1 — IB Physics SL

State two reasons why the solar power incident per unit area at a point on the surface of the Earth is likely to be different from your answer in (c).

1 :
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B.2.4—Earth’s albedo variation question 1