Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
70 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
61–70 of 70
Question 61
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A remote control uses infrared radiation to operate a television.
(a)[2 marks]State why infrared is suitable for this use rather than visible light.
(b)[2 marks]Suggest why remote controls do not work well when something is placed in front of the TV's infrared sensor.
Question 62
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 63
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 64
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 65
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The electromagnetic spectrum is made up of different types of waves. Each type has different wavelengths and frequencies.
(a)[1 mark]Name the type of electromagnetic wave with the shortest wavelength.
(b)[1 mark]State one use for this type of wave.
(c)[1 mark]Which type of wave has a longer wavelength than visible light but a shorter wavelength than radio waves?
(d)[1 mark]Give a use for this type of wave.
Question 66
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A scientist wants to use different types of electromagnetic waves for different purposes. She has a radio, a remote control, and a thermometer that can measure heat without touching the object.
(a)[1 mark]Which type of electromagnetic wave is used by the radio to carry signals?
(b)[1 mark]Which type of wave is used by the remote control?
(c)[1 mark]Which type of wave does the thermometer use to measure heat?
(d)[1 mark]Arrange these three waves in order of increasing frequency.
Question 67
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 68
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 69
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 70
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.