WavesAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Black Body Radiation

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

Practice progress

5 MCQs

0 of 5 attempted

Correct

Incorrect

Remaining

1
Which surface is the best emitter of infrared radiation?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Matt black surfaces are the best emitters AND the best absorbers of infrared radiation.
2
In the Leslie cube experiment, why must the cube be filled with boiling water and left for a few minutes before taking readings?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
If the faces are at different temperatures, the readings would not isolate the surface effect. Steady T = fair comparison.
3
An emergency 'space blanket' is shiny silver. Which property of shiny silver is most important here?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option C
Shiny silver reflects body IR back to the casualty, reducing heat loss. It is also a poor emitter for the same reason.
4
The back of a fridge is painted matt black to:
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Matt black is the best emitter — maximises the rate at which heat extracted from inside the fridge is radiated to the kitchen.
5
Two identical metal cans are filled with hot water at 80 °C. One is painted matt black, the other shiny silver. After ten minutes, which is at the lower temperature?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Matt-black emits IR faster than shiny silver, so it cools more quickly when the can is hotter than the surroundings.

WavesAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

5 MCQs

0 of 5 attempted

Correct

Incorrect

Remaining

1
Which surface is the best emitter of infrared radiation?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Matt black surfaces are the best emitters AND the best absorbers of infrared radiation.
2
In the Leslie cube experiment, why must the cube be filled with boiling water and left for a few minutes before taking readings?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
If the faces are at different temperatures, the readings would not isolate the surface effect. Steady T = fair comparison.
3
An emergency 'space blanket' is shiny silver. Which property of shiny silver is most important here?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option C
Shiny silver reflects body IR back to the casualty, reducing heat loss. It is also a poor emitter for the same reason.
4
The back of a fridge is painted matt black to:
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Matt black is the best emitter — maximises the rate at which heat extracted from inside the fridge is radiated to the kitchen.
5
Two identical metal cans are filled with hot water at 80 °C. One is painted matt black, the other shiny silver. After ten minutes, which is at the lower temperature?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Matt-black emits IR faster than shiny silver, so it cools more quickly when the can is hotter than the surroundings.