Diurnal energy budgets: past paper questions
Real questions on diurnal energy budgets
The newest 20 of 58 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[5]
Explain how the albedo of different land surfaces may affect the diurnal energy budget of an area. Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(i)[4]
Define the atmospheric terms ‘sensible heat transfer’ and ‘albedo’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(ii)[3]
Describe the urban heat island effect. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[4]
Describe the main differences between the climates shown in Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q1b[6]
Suggest reasons for the differences in the precipitation you described in 1(a).
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[15]
Assess the extent to which albedo is the main factor affecting the diurnal energy budget. Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(i)[3]
Describe how the uplift of air might lead to precipitation.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(ii)[4]
Explain the daytime energy budget.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(i)[4]
Define the atmospheric terms ‘reflected solar radiation’ and ‘latent heat transfer’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(i)[4]
Describe how the type of surface affects the albedo rate.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(ii)[3]
Explain one way the incoming (shortwave) radiation is reflected back into the atmosphere before it reaches the Earth’s surface.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5a(i)[3]
State three characteristics of wind belts.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[8]
Describe and explain the main factors that affect the diurnal energy budget.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2a(i)[1]
Name the effect shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2a(ii)[1]
Calculate the range in temperature shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[4]
Describe the pattern of temperature shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[4]
Give reasons for the pattern of temperature shown in Fig. 2.1. Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(i)[4]
Define the atmospheric terms incoming solar radiation and evaporation.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(ii)[3]
Describe how land/sea distribution affects the seasonal variation of temperature.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(i)[4]
Define the atmospheric terms incoming solar radiation and evaporation.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The concept of albedo was understood and discussed by most candidates, and snow was frequently used as an example. Few candidates described the Earth’s curved surface and the small amounts of energy experienced at high latitudes.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q5(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
The response to this question was generally sound with most candidates being able to describe two ways in which incoming (shortwave) solar radiation was prevented from reaching the Earth’s surface.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/12 Q5(a)(i) (Cambridge)
This question was answered well with many candidates being able to explain some of the factors necessary for the formation of dew.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/12 Q5(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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