0653.P2.3.05 — Describe the effect of surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the emission, absorption and reflection of thermal rad: past paper questions
Real questions on 0653.p2.3.05 — describe the effect of surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the emission, absorption and reflection of thermal rad
The newest 6 of 6 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/01 · Specimen 2025 · Q32[1]
Which statement about thermal radiation is correct?
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[3]
A student uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 8.1 to investigate the transfer of thermal energy by radiation. thermometer stopper container with black surfaces container with white surfaces Fig. 8.1 The two containers are identical in size and made from the same material. One container has only black surfaces, and the oth...
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2025 · Q9a(i)[1]
State one other method of thermal energy transfer.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2025 · Q9a(ii)[2]
Explain how the heater warms the room by convection. Use ideas about density in your answer. You may draw on Fig. 9.1 if you wish.
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · February/March 2024 · Q3b[2]
The spacecraft has a heat shield to reflect radiation from the Sun and prevent damage from overheating. Suggest a suitable colour and texture for the surface of the heat shield.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2022 · Q3b[2]
Fig. 3.2 shows two buckets, A and B, of identical size and shape. Bucket A is made of shiny metal. Bucket B is made of dull black plastic. Each bucket is filled with hot water and covered by a lid. The buckets are placed on the ground to cool. A B Fig. 3.2 Thermal energy leaves the buckets by conduction and radiation....
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What examiners said
Most candidates suggested ‘white’ and ‘shiny’. Alternative suggestions such as ‘a light colour’ and ‘smooth’ were accepted but answers such as ‘made of metal’ or ‘reflective’ were not.
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/42 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
The idea that bucket A cools effectively by conduction because metal is a good heat conductor was frequently suggested. The poor heat conduction of plastic was usually given as the reason why bucket B cooled more effectively by radiation. Stronger candidates discussed the superior radiative properties of a black dull surface over shiny metal or that shiny surfaces are better reflectors.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0653/43 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
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