Practice B.2 Greenhouse effect with authentic IB Physics exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
The atmosphere of a certain planet allows of incoming solar radiation to pass through but absorbs of the outgoing infrared radiation from the surface. What effect does this have on the surface temperature on Earth?
Which of the following best explains why the surface temperature of Venus is significantly higher than that of Earth, despite a similar solar constant?
The diagram shows energy transfer per unit area at the surface of the Earth. Incoming solar radiation is partly reflected and partly absorbed by the surface, which also radiates energy back into the atmosphere.
Define albedo.
Calculate the albedo of the Earth's surface based on the data.
Determine the net energy gain or loss per square metre of the Earth's surface.
Suggest what would happen to the surface temperature of the Earth if this energy imbalance continued.
The Earth emits radiation with peak wavelength . If Earth's effective temperature increases by , what is the approximate new peak wavelength?
Which of the following shows three greenhouse gases?
The value of the solar constant on a particular planet is . The planet has an average albedo of . Assuming the planet is a perfect black body, what is the best estimate for the temperature of the planet?
The diagram shows the distribution of incoming solar radiation as it interacts with Earth's atmosphere and surface.
Define albedo.
Calculate the total percentage of incoming solar energy reflected back to space.
Calculate the percentage of incoming solar energy absorbed by the Earth-atmosphere system.
Explain why clouds both reflect and absorb incoming radiation.
Outline how the greenhouse effect helps maintain Earth's surface temperature above that of the Moon.
What is the primary wavelength range absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases?
Based on the energy budget shown, what is the albedo of the Earth's surface?
Which of the following processes leads to natural greenhouse gas emission?