MYP Physics · 18 · multiple choice
Change a planet's reflected energy
Climate and energy systems · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- recall
- Marks
- 3
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
A planet's average albedo increases while incoming solar power stays the same. What is the most direct initial effect?
- A
Less incoming energy is reflected
- B
More incoming energy is reflected, so less is absorbed
- C
The planet stops emitting infrared radiation
- D
All greenhouse gases disappear
- a
Select and explain Select the best response and explain how the change affects the energy balance before feedbacks occur.
3 marks
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a
Select and explain Select the best response and explain how the change affects the energy balance before feedbacks occur.
Predict from the governing principle before looking for a matching option. Then reject alternatives by checking direction, units, limiting behaviour or the physical meaning of each statement.
- 1
Selects option B: a higher albedo reflects more incoming energy, so less is absorbed.
- 2
States that a higher albedo means a greater fraction of incoming radiation is reflected.
- 3
Concludes that absorbed solar power initially decreases, tending to lower equilibrium temperature if other factors remain fixed.
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