An atmospheric probe detects the emission and absorption of infrared radiation from a newly discovered planet across three distinct spectral bands, as shown in Table 1.
| Spectral Band | Range of Wavelengths |
|---|---|
| Band Alpha | 850 nm850\text{ nm}850 nm to 2150 nm2150\text{ nm}2150 nm |
| Band Beta | 2.15 μm2.15\ \mu\text{m}2.15 μm to 5.45 μm5.45\ \mu\text{m}5.45 μm |
| Band Gamma | 5450 nm5450\text{ nm}5450 nm to 7850 nm7850\text{ nm}7850 nm |
Determine which spectral band of infrared radiation shown in Table 1 has the largest range of wavelengths.
To gain full marks, you must calculate the range of wavelengths for each spectral band in a consistent unit.
Practise AQA GCSE Physics Black body radiation (physics only) with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 9 questions covering Emission and absorption of infrared radiation and Perfect black bodies and radiation, matched to the AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.