Skip to content
MathsGenie logo
Quick links
Open app

Course home

  1. IGCSE
  3. Physics Edexcel
  5. Question bank

The electromagnetic spectrum

EasyMediumHard
1234567891011121314151617181920212223
Question 4

A maritime surveillance satellite is in an orbit around the Earth.

a.

The satellite uses ultraviolet radiation to detect oil spills and ozone levels in the atmosphere.

Ultraviolet radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum has longer wavelengths than ultraviolet radiation?

  • A X-rays
  • B Gamma rays
  • C Visible light
  • D Deep ultraviolet
[1]
b.

Which of these statements is correct?

  • A Ultraviolet radiation always travels faster than radio waves.
  • B Ultraviolet radiation always travels slower than radio waves.
  • C Ultraviolet radiation and radio waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
  • D Ultraviolet radiation and radio waves 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 surveillance satellite takes 2.2 hours2.2\text{ hours}2.2 hours to orbit the Earth once.

It travels at a speed of 6.8 km/s6.8\text{ km/s}6.8 km/s.

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

[4]
e.

The surveillance 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 tracking global shipping lanes.

[1]

The electromagnetic spectrum Questions

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