# Explain why the Earth's temperature remains roughly constant over time, in terms of the radiation it absorbs and emits.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.6.3 Black body radiation (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

> The Earth absorbs radiation from the Sun and also emits radiation into space. Scientists model the Earth as acting like a black body.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The Earth absorbs radiation (from the Sun / incident radiation)
2. The Earth also emits radiation (into space)
3. The rate of absorption equals the rate of emission
4. Therefore the temperature stays constant / does not increase or decrease

## Key terms

- [absorbs](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/absorbs)
- [emits](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/emits)
- [radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/radiation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-earth-s-temperature-remains-4995436c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.