Following a volcanic eruption, particles spread through the upper atmosphere. Satellites measured the average rates of energy transfer by radiation before and immediately after the particles spread.
Of the solar radiation reaching the Earth, any radiation that is not reflected is absorbed.
| Measurement | Before the particles spread (W/m²) | Immediately after the particles spread (W/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar radiation reaching the Earth | 342 | 342 |
| Solar radiation reflected into space | 102 | 117 |
| Radiation emitted by the Earth into space | 240 | 240 |
Use the data to explain how the average temperature of the Earth is expected to change immediately after the particles spread.
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.