At an observatory, a telescope mirror absorbs infrared radiation at a rate of 36 J/s and emits infrared radiation at a rate of 52 J/s. The rates of energy transfer to and from the mirror by all other methods are equal.
Which statement correctly describes the net energy transfer and the resulting temperature change of the mirror?
It loses 16 J each second overall, so its temperature decreases.
It gains 88 J each second overall, so its temperature increases.
It transfers no energy overall, so its temperature remains constant.
It gains 16 J each second overall, so its temperature increases.
106 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Physics 6.3 Black body radiation, covering 6.3.1 Emission and absorption of infrared radiation and 6.3.2 Perfect black bodies and radiation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.