Radiation and Absorption Physics Practical AQA GCSE

AQA GCSE Physics Practicals : Radiation and Absorption

The AQA GCSE Physics Practicals resource for Practical 10: Radiation and Absorption is an essential guide for investigating the emission and absorption of infrared radiation from surfaces with different finishes. This practical explores the key concept of emissivity and the principles of thermal radiation, allowing students to measure and compare how different surface types (matt black, matt white, shiny metal) emit infrared radiation. Ideal for the Thermal Radiation unit in the AQA GCSE Physics curriculum, this resource provides students with hands-on experience in measuring infrared radiation and understanding the impact of surface properties on thermal emission.

This editable Word file can be easily converted into a PDF, making it perfect for both digital and printed distribution. Teachers can modify the content to meet the specific needs of their classroom, ensuring flexibility and engagement for students as they explore the concepts of thermal radiation.

Key features of this resource:

• Step-by-step instructions for setting up the experiment, including preparing the Leslie cube with different surface finishes and using an infrared detector to measure emitted radiation.
• Data recording tables for documenting infrared readings for each surface type, along with observations for analysis.
• Reflection areas to help students evaluate which surface emitted the most infrared radiation and discuss the concept of emissivity.
• Sample questions (MCQs, SAQs, and Worksheet-style) that test students’ understanding of thermal radiation, emissivity, and how surface finishes affect radiation absorption and emission.
• Teacher notes with safety guidelines, tips for accurate measurements, and suggestions for improving experimental reliability, such as using a fixed stand for the infrared detector.

Sample Question for Each Type:
MCQ: Why does a matt black surface typically emit more infrared radiation than a shiny surface?
SAQ: How does keeping the detector at a fixed distance help in this experiment?
Worksheet: Analyze the infrared readings for each surface and explain the relationship between surface texture and emissivity.

This practical resource is perfect for AQA GCSE Physics students, providing them with a structured, hands-on approach to learning about thermal radiation. It helps reinforce theoretical concepts through experimentation, while also developing key practical skills in measurement and data analysis.
Download this editable resource now to engage your students in the study of radiation and absorption, providing them with valuable insights into the properties of materials and the principles of thermal energy transfer.