Electromagnetic spectrum

Different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used for different purposes.

Feb/March 2016

What type of waves are emitted by a television remote controller?

Feb/March 2018

Fig. 9.1 shows the seven principal sections of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sections labelled are radio waves, microwaves, infra-red radiation, visible light, ultraviolet, one section left unnamed, and gamma rays.

Feb/March 2018

Which of the following statements about microwaves is correct?

Feb/March 2019

How fast do X-rays travel in a vacuum and in air?

Feb/March 2019

Fig. 8.1 presents a partly completed diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum. The layout places higher frequency on the left and longer wavelength on the right. The visible labels are ultraviolet, visible light and radio waves.

Feb/March 2019

Thermal radiation forms one part of the electromagnetic spectrum. What is this region of the spectrum called?

Feb/March 2021

Which row shows the approximate speeds at which ultraviolet waves move through air and through a vacuum?

Feb/March 2021

Blue light has a usual wavelength of $5.0 \times 10^{-7}\,\text{m}$ and a frequency of $0.60 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz}$. Which row shows a usual wavelength and frequency for red light?

Feb/March 2023

A TV station sends out a signal to a television receiving dish. The television includes an on/off indicator light. A remote control turns the television on and changes the indicator light from red to green. Which electromagnetic wave used in these actions has the greatest wavelength?

Feb/March 2023

A television (TV) station sends out a signal to a television receiving dish. The television includes an on/off indicator light. A remote control turns the television on and changes the indicator light from red to green. Which electromagnetic wave involved in these actions has the greatest wavelength?

Feb/March 2023

What electromagnetic waves are used to sterilise medical equipment?

Feb/March 2024

The Sun gives out most of its energy in three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the pie chart, region 1 is infrared radiation and region 2 is visible radiation. What does region 3 represent?

Feb/March 2024

Fill in the second column of Table 5.1 with the electromagnetic spectrum region used for each application.

Feb/March 2024

The table shows the frequency ranges for three kinds of electromagnetic radiation. Which type of electromagnetic radiation has a frequency of $4 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz}$?

Feb/March 2025

On Fig. 7.1, sketch the route taken by the red-light ray as it passes through the glass block and emerges into air.

Feb/March 2025

Visible light has an approximate frequency of $5.0 \times 10^{14}\,\text{Hz}$. $M$ and $N$ are two further forms of electromagnetic radiation. The frequency of $M$ is $5.0 \times 10^{6}\,\text{Hz}$. The frequency of $N$ is $5.0 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz}$. What types of radiation are $M$ and $N$?

May/June 2016

Visible light has a frequency of approximately $5.0 \times 10^{14}\ \text{Hz}$. M and N are two further forms of electromagnetic radiation. The frequency of M is $5.0 \times 10^{6}\ \text{Hz}$. The frequency of N is $5.0 \times 10^{15}\ \text{Hz}$. Which types of radiation are M and N?

May/June 2016

Fig. 9.1 shows the different regions in the electromagnetic spectrum.

May/June 2016

Fig. 6.1 presents the regions in the electromagnetic spectrum. The named regions are gamma rays, ultraviolet rays, visible light, infra-red waves and radio waves.

May/June 2016

Fig. 6.1 presents the sections of the electromagnetic spectrum. The labelled regions shown are gamma rays, ultraviolet rays, visible light, infra-red waves and radio waves.

May/June 2016

Describe how X-rays are used in a security situation. Include a diagram.

May/June 2016

The table lists various kinds of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. In which region do all the waves move at the same speed?

May/June 2017

The table displays the various kinds of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. radio waves, micro-waves, infra-red waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves, X-rays, gamma rays At what point do all the waves move at the same speed?

May/June 2017

This question concerns the electromagnetic spectrum. Fig. 7.1 presents the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in sequence. The labels shown are: radio waves, microwaves, infra-red radiation, visible light, [blank], [blank], gamma rays.

May/June 2017

In Fig. 7.1, the labelled parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are arranged from left to right as radio waves, microwaves, infra-red waves, 1, ultraviolet waves, X-rays, 2.

May/June 2017

The diagram illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum. The figures show the approximate wavelength at the borders between the different regions of the spectrum. For a device to use electromagnetic radiation, it must have an aerial with roughly the same size as the radiation it is intended to receive. Which statement is correct?

May/June 2018

In which medium do all types of electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed?

May/June 2018

A microwave signal needs $0.24$ seconds to go from a transmitting station on Earth to a satellite and then return to the station on Earth. Microwaves travel at $3.0 \times 10^8\,\text{m s}^{-1}$. What is the distance between the transmitting station and the satellite?

May/June 2018

The Sun gives off infra-red radiation and light. Light from the Sun takes $8$ minutes to reach the Earth. Which row contains the correct information about the infra-red radiation?

May/June 2018

Fig. 9.1 presents a partly labelled diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum. Reading from left to right, the labels shown are gamma ray, A, ultraviolet, visible, infra-red, B, radio.

May/June 2018

Fig. 7.1 displays several sections of the electromagnetic spectrum.

May/June 2018

Fig. 7.1 presents an incomplete diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum.

May/June 2018

Circle two of the options below that fit an ultrasound wave travelling in air: frequency $3.5\,\text{Hz}$, frequency $350\,\text{Hz}$, frequency $35000\,\text{Hz}$, longitudinal, transverse, speed $1.5\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, speed $1.5 \times 10^3\,\text{m s}^{-1}$, speed $1.5 \times 10^6\,\text{m s}^{-1}$.

May/June 2018

The diagram illustrates radiation from a lamp travelling through a prism. Which type of radiation is at P?

May/June 2019

The diagram illustrates radiation from a lamp travelling through a prism. What type of radiation is present at P?

May/June 2019

The diagram illustrates radiation from a lamp travelling through a prism. Which kind of radiation is present at P?

May/June 2019

A student is asked to state two applications of four different kinds of electromagnetic radiation. In which row are both applications correct?

May/June 2021

The table gives details of various colours of light. From the data, what is the frequency of orange light?

May/June 2021

The diagram illustrates the usual wavelengths (in metres) of radio waves, microwaves and X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. In which region are the waves used in TV remote controllers located?

May/June 2021

A remote-controlled vehicle is moving across the surface of a planet. It detects an obstacle in front of it and transmits a radio message to the control room from which it is operated. The control room is $2.4 \times 10^6\,\text{km}$ from the vehicle. The control room then sends a message back to the vehicle instructing it to stop. What is the minimum time that passes between the vehicle detecting the obstacle and receiving the return message from the control room?

May/June 2021

Below are three statements concerning the speed of electromagnetic waves. Which of these statements are correct?

May/June 2021

Which row gives the correct description of how the frequency and the speed of electromagnetic waves change as we move through the spectrum from $\gamma$-rays to radio waves?

May/June 2021

Radio waves and $$-rays (gamma) are both forms of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. Fig. 7.1 illustrates the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and most of the regions are labelled.

May/June 2021

This question concerns the electromagnetic spectrum.

May/June 2021

Which section of the electromagnetic spectrum does a television remote controller use?

May/June 2022

Which statement makes the correct comparison between radio waves and X-rays?

May/June 2022

Microwaves, green light and infrared are three forms of electromagnetic radiation. In what sequence should they be arranged by wavelength, starting with the shortest wavelength and ending with the longest?

May/June 2022

Which statement makes the correct comparison between radio waves and X-rays?

May/June 2022

Which statement gives the correct comparison between radio waves and X-rays?

May/June 2022

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is used by a television remote controller?

May/June 2022

Which statement gives the correct comparison between radio waves and X-rays?

May/June 2022

Which kind of waves does a television remote controller produce?

May/June 2022

Which statement makes the correct comparison between radio waves and X-rays?

May/June 2022

A beam of X-rays moving through air has wavelength $5.4 \times 10^{-10}\,\text{m}$. Calculate its frequency.

May/June 2022

Which statement correctly contrasts radio waves with X-rays?

May/June 2022

A student compares the wavelength and uses of infrared waves and microwaves. Which row is the correct one?

May/June 2022

Complete the labelling in Fig. 6.1. Enter the name of the radiation in each unlabelled region.

May/June 2022

The next question concerns these four wave types: infrared, microwaves, ultrasound and radio waves.

May/June 2022

The two devices illustrated operate using different kinds of electromagnetic waves. Which waves are used by these devices?

May/June 2023

The graph illustrates the energy given out by the Sun at various wavelengths. Most of the energy comes from just three regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, marked P, Q and R. Which parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are P and R?

May/June 2023

Which row corresponds to a region of the electromagnetic spectrum and one of its uses?

May/June 2023

Visible light has wavelengths from $4.0 \times 10^{-7}\,\text{m}$ up to $7.0 \times 10^{-7}\,\text{m}$. Determine the range of the frequencies of visible light.

May/June 2023

A radio station emits a signal at a frequency of $89\,\text{MHz}$. Determine the wavelength of this signal.

May/June 2023

A student gives four statements that link a communication system with the section of the electromagnetic spectrum it uses to transmit signals. Which statement is correct?

May/June 2023

Fig. 7.1 shows two light rays striking a thin converging lens. Both rays are parallel to the principal axis. $F_2$ and $F_1$ are the focal points of the lens.

May/June 2023

Table 6.1 presents regions of the electromagnetic (e.m.) spectrum, but two regions are left without labels.

May/June 2023

A mobile phone (cell phone) network sends and receives signals using microwaves with a frequency of $1.9 \times 10^{9}$ Hz. In air, microwaves travel at $3.0 \times 10^{8}\,\text{m s}^{-1}$.

May/June 2023

The wavelength of a red light with frequency $430 \times 10^{12}\ \text{Hz}$ is $700 \times 10^{-9}\ \text{m}$. What could be true for blue light?

May/June 2024

Infrared is a helpful form of electromagnetic radiation. However, too much exposure to infrared may lead to damaging effects. Which row shows a use and a harmful effect of infrared?

May/June 2024

Which three principal forms of radiation does the Sun emit?

May/June 2024

Exposure to some parts of the electromagnetic spectrum at excessive levels can have harmful effects on people. Which parts cause mutation of cells in the body, skin burns and internal heating of body cells?

May/June 2024

The table gives details about several colours of light. From the data, what is the frequency of orange light?

May/June 2024

The table shows the wavelengths of three electromagnetic waves. Which row correctly names P, Q and R?

May/June 2024

In which parts of the electromagnetic spectrum is most of the Sun’s energy emitted?

May/June 2024

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to detect counterfeit bank notes?

May/June 2024

Thermal radiation is a section of the electromagnetic spectrum. What is this region of the spectrum called?

May/June 2024

A vehicle operated by radio is moving across the surface of a planet. The vehicle detects an obstacle in front of it. It transmits a radio signal to the control room that is controlling it. The control room is $2.4\times10^{6}\ \text{km}$ from the vehicle. The control room then sends a signal back to the vehicle telling it to stop. What is the shortest time that passes between the vehicle detecting the obstacle and receiving the signal back from the control room?

May/June 2024

The diagram presents three kinds of electromagnetic radiation in a given sequence. The electromagnetic radiation is moving through a vacuum. microwaves $\rightarrow$ infrared $\rightarrow$ X-rays Which quantities become larger from left to right in the sequence?

May/June 2024

A student investigates several kinds of wave.

May/June 2024

What type of radiation is used by a remote controller to transmit its commands to a television (TV)?

May/June 2025

If a person is exposed to too much radiation from some regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, cell damage is likely to occur. Which radiations are able to cause cell damage?

May/June 2025

The Sun emits the bulk of its energy across three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The diagram illustrates the fraction of the total energy emitted in each of these areas. Region P represents visible light, and region Q represents ultraviolet. Which region is R?

May/June 2025

What kind of radiation is used by a remote controller to transmit its instructions to a television (TV)?

May/June 2025

A person who is exposed to too much radiation from certain regions of the electromagnetic spectrum is likely to experience cell damage. Which radiations lead to cell damage?

May/June 2025

Most of the Sun's energy is emitted across three parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The diagram indicates the fraction of the total energy emitted in each of these parts. Region P is visible light and region Q is ultraviolet. What is region R?

May/June 2025

Satellites are occasionally used to pick up and send on television signals. Which row identifies the type of satellite and the electromagnetic waves employed?

May/June 2025

What are the speeds of radio waves in a vacuum and of gamma rays in a vacuum?

May/June 2025

A transverse wave travels through a medium. Fig. 7.1 illustrates the displacement of the particles in the medium.

May/June 2025

Insert ticks (✓) in Table 7.1 to indicate the properties of sound waves and microwaves.

May/June 2025

Calculate the distance from the observatory to the reflector.

May/June 2025

Which statement about infra-red radiation is accurate?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum provides the radiation used in a television remote controller?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which section of the electromagnetic spectrum is used for transmitting television signals from a satellite to Earth?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which description is correct for infra-red radiation?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which set lists four electromagnetic waves in sequence, from the greatest wavelength to the least?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is used in a television remote controller?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which section of the electromagnetic spectrum is used for transmitting television signals from a satellite to Earth?

Oct/Nov 2016

Which statement describes infra-red radiation?

Oct/Nov 2016

Fig. 7.1 shows the electromagnetic spectrum. The diagram labels radio waves, micro-waves, infra-red waves, visible light, X-rays and gamma rays.

Oct/Nov 2016