Earth's atmosphere absorbs some types of electromagnetic wave from space and transmits others.
The Table shows how much of each type of wave from space reaches the ground. The types are listed from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength.
Table
| Type of electromagnetic wave | How much reaches the ground |
|---|---|
| radio | most |
| microwave | some |
| infrared | very little |
| visible | most |
| ultraviolet | very little |
| X-rays | none |
| gamma rays | none |
Use the Table to explain why telescopes that detect X-rays are placed on satellites above the atmosphere.
A student says:
'The atmosphere absorbs all electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths and transmits all waves with long wavelengths.'
Evaluate the student's statement. Use the Table in your answer.
Infrared telescopes on the ground are often built on high mountains.
Suggest why.
51 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Physics 5.3 Wave interactions, covering 5.3.1 Wavelength and how substances affect waves, 5.3.2 Wave velocity in different substances, 5.3.3 Convex and concave lenses, 5.3.4 Ray diagrams for reflection and refraction, and 5.3.5 Colour, absorption and reflection. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.