GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Temperature & Clouds

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Waves Black body radiation

Temperature & Clouds

2:45 Infrared Radiation and Black Bodies
Spec 4.6.3.2
Previous Temperature of the Earth Next Magnetic Forces
  • Clouds partially reflect infrared radiation.
  • Infrared waves can reflect, transmit, or be absorbed when reaching a boundary.
  • Infrared waves from the sun interact with clouds before reaching Earth's surface.
  • On cloudy days, some energy is reflected back into space, and some transmits through clouds to Earth.
  • During the day, areas under clouds are cooler than those not under clouds.
  • Clouds partially reflect infrared waves, reducing energy reaching Earth's surface.
  • At night, areas under clouds are warmer than those not under clouds.
  • Earth releases heat as waves, gaining and losing heat during the day, and only losing heat at night.
  • Without clouds, waves escape into space; with clouds, waves partially transmit and reflect back to Earth.
  • Reflected heat from clouds keeps areas under them warmer at night.
  • Understanding infrared radiation and cloud effects is important for explaining temperature variations on Earth.

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