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The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum

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Question 1

This question is about waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.

a.

The diagram below shows the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum ordered from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength, with two regions labeled P and Q currently missing.

radio wavesmicrowavesPvisible lightultravioletQgamma rays \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline \text{radio waves} & \text{microwaves} & \text{P} & \text{visible light} & \text{ultraviolet} & \text{Q} & \text{gamma rays} \\ \hline \end{array} radio waves​microwaves​P​visible light​ultraviolet​Q​gamma rays​​

Identify the missing regions P and Q.

[2]
b.

Which electromagnetic radiation is used in thermal imaging cameras and short-range remote control devices?

  • A ultraviolet
  • B infrared
  • C microwaves
  • D X-rays
[1]
c.

Which electromagnetic radiation is used for sterilising surgical instruments and in radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells?

  • A infrared
  • B microwaves
  • C ultraviolet
  • D gamma rays
[1]
d.

The list of electromagnetic waves ordered from radio waves to gamma rays is in order of:

  • A decreasing frequency
  • B increasing speed in a vacuum
  • C decreasing wavelength
  • D increasing wavelength
[1]
e.

Excessive exposure to certain types of electromagnetic radiation can be hazardous to human health.

For two different types of electromagnetic radiation, describe:

  • a harmful effect on the human body,
  • how the risk of exposure can be reduced.
[4]
Markscheme

The electromagnetic spectrum Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /The electromagnetic spectrum

28 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Physics The electromagnetic spectrum. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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