Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
70 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
31–37 of 37 · Normal
Question 31
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which statement about infrared radiation is correct?
- A.All objects emit infrared radiation, but only hot objects emit visible light.
- B.Cold objects emit more infrared radiation than hot objects.
- C.Infrared radiation cannot be detected by any cameras.
- D.Infrared radiation passes easily through all objects.
Question 32
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe an experiment you could perform to compare how different surfaces (e.g. shiny metal vs. matt black) emit infrared radiation when heated.
Question 33
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why infrared radiation from the Sun is able to warm the Earth's surface, even though the Earth's atmosphere is mostly transparent to visible light.
Question 34
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The electromagnetic spectrum includes waves with a wide range of wavelengths and frequencies.
(a)[1 mark]State the relationship between wavelength and frequency for electromagnetic waves.
(b)[2 marks]Arrange the following electromagnetic waves in order of increasing wavelength: infrared, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light.
(c)[1 mark]Why do gamma rays have a higher frequency than microwaves? Explain in terms of energy.
Question 35
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A communication satellite receives signals using microwaves and sends back information using infrared waves.
(a)[1 mark]State the order of infrared and microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength, starting with the longest.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why microwaves are suitable for transmitting signals to and from the satellite compared to visible light.
(c)[2 marks]Give one possible health effect of excessive exposure to microwaves and state a precaution to reduce the risk.
Question 36
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A teacher shines visible red light (wavelength m) and uses a microwave oven that emits microwaves of wavelength m.
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the frequency of the red light. Take the speed of light in a vacuum as m/s.
(b)[2 marks]Calculate the frequency of the microwave.
Question 37
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A hospital uses both X-rays and infrared cameras for patient care.
(a)[1 mark]State the main property that all electromagnetic waves have in common.
(b)[2 marks]Describe one use of infrared in hospitals, and one use of X-rays.
(c)[1 mark]Explain why X-rays require more safety precautions than infrared when used with patients.