Cambridge IGCSE Physics

2.3.3Radiation

Radiation in Cambridge IGCSE Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

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Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

2.3.3.1Know that thermal radiation is infrared radiation and that all objects emit it.
2.3.3.2Know that thermal radiation does not need a medium.
2.3.3.3Describe how surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) affect the emission, absorption and reflection of infrared radiation.
2.3.3.4Supplement: know that an object stays at constant temperature when it loses energy at the same rate as it gains it.
2.3.3.5Supplement: know what happens to an object's temperature when it gains energy faster or slower than it loses it.
2.3.3.6Supplement: know how the balance between incoming radiation and radiation emitted from the surface controls the Earth's temperature.
2.3.3.7Supplement: describe experiments to compare good and bad emitters of infrared radiation.
2.3.3.8Supplement: describe experiments to compare good and bad absorbers of infrared radiation.
2.3.3.9Supplement: describe how the rate of emission depends on surface temperature and surface area.

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