Radiation Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. Which type of surface is the best emitter of infrared radiation?
- A. Shiny and white
- B. Dull and black
- C. Shiny and black
- D. Dull and white
2. Which method of thermal energy transfer can travel through a vacuum?
- A. Conduction
- B. Convection
- C. Radiation
- D. None of them
3. Two identical metal plates, one polished and one blackened, are placed the same distance from a heater. Which will show the greater temperature rise, and why?
- A. The polished plate, because it reflects more radiation
- B. The blackened plate, because it is a better absorber of infrared radiation
- C. Both will rise by the same amount because they are the same metal
- D. The polished plate, because shiny surfaces heat up faster
4. An object is emitting radiation at a faster rate than it is absorbing it. What will happen to its temperature, and what two factors could you change on its surface to reduce the emission rate?
- A. It will heat up; increase its surface temperature and area
- B. It will cool down; reduce its surface temperature or surface area, or make the surface shinier
- C. It will stay the same; radiation does not affect temperature
- D. It will cool down; only changing colour has any effect, area does not matter
5. Why does the Earth's average temperature stay roughly stable over short timescales?
- A. Because the Earth does not absorb any radiation from the Sun
- B. Because the rate of radiation absorbed from the Sun is roughly balanced by the rate of radiation emitted back into space
- C. Because thermal radiation cannot pass through the atmosphere
- D. Because the Earth conducts heat away into space