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The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum

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Question 10

A weather satellite is in an orbit around the Earth.

a.

The satellite uses infrared radiation for imaging the Earth's atmosphere.

Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum has shorter wavelengths than infrared radiation?

  • A radio waves
  • B microwaves
  • C visible light
  • D long-wave radio
[1]
b.

Which of these statements is correct?

  • A Infrared radiation always travels faster than visible light.
  • B Infrared radiation always travels slower than visible light.
  • C Infrared radiation and visible light travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
  • D Infrared radiation and visible light travel at the same speed in all materials.
[1]
c.

State one property of electromagnetic waves that is common to all electromagnetic waves.

[1]
d.

The weather satellite takes 1.8 hours1.8\text{ hours}1.8 hours to orbit the Earth once.

It travels at a speed of 7.5 km/s7.5\text{ km/s}7.5 km/s.

Calculate the orbital radius of the satellite and state the unit.

[5]
e.

The weather satellite is in a polar orbit, meaning it circles from pole to pole while the Earth rotates underneath it.

Suggest why this type of orbit is an advantage for a weather-monitoring satellite.

[1]
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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