GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Waves
Investigate how the infrared radiation absorbed or emitted by a surface depends on that surface. Keep surface area, distance, starting temperature and timing controlled, repeat readings and compare rate of temperature change or detector response.
Start here
Investigate how the infrared radiation absorbed or emitted by a surface depends on that surface. Keep surface area, distance, starting temperature and timing controlled, repeat readings and compare rate of temperature change or detector response.
Core learning content
Start with this short teaching sequence for Infrared Absorption and Emission Required Practical. Read the model, use the visual, then test your recall before moving into examples and exam practice.
Investigate how the infrared radiation absorbed or emitted by a surface depends on that surface. Keep surface area, distance, starting temperature and timing controlled, repeat readings and compare rate of temperature change or detector response.
Dull black surfaces absorb and emit infrared radiation well; shiny, light surfaces are poorer absorbers and emitters. Compare like-for-like surfaces, control distance and starting temperature, repeat readings, and base the conclusion on detector response or rate of temperature change.
A wave transfers energy without transferring matter overall. Use diagrams to keep amplitude, wavelength, frequency, speed and direction distinct. Explain the chain of cause and effect rather than listing facts: say what changes, why it changes and what evidence or result follows.
State the infrared source or detector, independent and control variables, repeated measurements, data comparison and a conclusion about dull black and shiny surfaces. Before writing, underline the command word and identify the information that matters. Keep a calculation as equation, substitution and answer with unit; keep an explanation as a linked chain using because, so or therefore. Finish by checking that the final sentence answers the exact context in the question and that the number, direction or conclusion agrees with the evidence given.
Retrieval practice
Answer without looking back first. The feedback explains the model, so a wrong answer still helps you learn.
Mini quiz 1
Mini quiz 2
Mini quiz 3
Try it
How does surface finish affect infrared absorption or emission?
What to notice: the readout and written explanation remain available if you do not use the controls.
Worked examples
Cover the answer, attempt the method and then compare your physics language as well as the number.
The dull black surface warms faster because it absorbs more infrared radiation than the shiny surface.
The dull black can cools faster because it is a better emitter of infrared radiation.
Infrared intensity at the detector changes with distance, so all surfaces must be measured at the same distance.
Misconception clinic
Each of these is tempting because it sounds almost right. Replace it with the precise physics before you meet it in a question.
Independent practice
Use the working space first. Reveal the guidance only after you have committed to an answer, then improve the exact part that would gain the next mark.
Dull black.
Dull black.
The surface finish/colour.
For example, initial temperature, distance, surface area, timing and lamp power.
It reflects more infrared radiation and absorbs less.
Repeat readings for each surface and calculate a mean, keeping geometry controlled.
Questions pupils ask
A wave transfers energy without transferring matter overall. Use diagrams to keep amplitude, wavelength, frequency, speed and direction distinct.
Read the snapshot, attempt the worked examples without looking, complete the mini quizzes and then use the practice questions to check your wording and method.
Next step
Physics sticks when you move between explanation, retrieval and application.