What is thermal radiation?
Infrared radiation emitted by all objects.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028) · 2.3.3
Revise Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028) specification point 2.3.3, Radiation, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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What is thermal radiation?
Infrared radiation emitted by all objects.
What happens to an object's energy when it emits thermal radiation?
Energy is transferred away from the object.
What happens to an object when it absorbs thermal radiation?
It gains thermal energy.
Why can radiation transfer energy through a vacuum?
It does not require a material medium.
How do black and white surfaces compare as emitters and absorbers of infrared radiation?
Black surfaces are better emitters and absorbers than white surfaces.
Which reflects infrared radiation better: a black surface or a white surface?
A white surface.
How do dull and shiny surfaces compare as emitters and absorbers of infrared radiation?
Dull surfaces are better emitters and absorbers than shiny surfaces.
Which reflects infrared radiation better: a dull surface or a shiny surface?
A shiny surface.