Electromagnetic Spectrum (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award): Physics): Exam Questions

Fig. 7.1 shows the electromagnetic spectrum. One type of radiation is not labelled.

(i) On Fig. 7.1, add the label for the missing type of radiation.

[1]

(ii) The arrow in Fig. 7.1 indicates a property that is increasing.  

State the name of the property that is increasing in the direction of the arrow.

[1]

(iii) Compare the speeds of radio waves and visible light in a vacuum.

[1]

Describe how X-rays are used for security in airports.

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

(i) In Fig. 7.1, section A and section B of the electromagnetic spectrum are not labelled.

State the names of parts A and B.

[2]

(ii) An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 1.0 × 10^–9 m. Use Fig. 7.1 to identify the type of electromagnetic wave.

[1]

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All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

 State one other property that is the same for all electromagnetic waves

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Fig. 7.1 shows some parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

(i) In Fig. 7.1, one part of the electromagnetic spectrum is not labelled.

State the name of this part.

[1]

(ii) The speed of visible light waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 10⁸ m / s.

Suggest a value for the speed of infra-red waves in a vacuum.  

speed = .................................................. m / s [1]

(iii) Some parts of the electromagnetic spectrum have a wavelength shorter than that of visible light.

State one example.

[1]

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Fig. 7.1 shows a diagram of the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Two labels are missing.

(i) Complete the labels on Fig. 7.1.

[2]

(ii) State two properties that are the same for all waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.

[2]

State which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is used in each situation.

(i) Detecting objects without opening baggage at a security check

[1]

(ii) Television remote control

[1]

(iii) Satellite television transmissions

[1]

Fig.9.1 represents the seven main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

(i) In Fig.9.1, one region is not named.  

State the name of the radiation in this region.

[1]

(ii) State which region has waves with the longest wavelength.

[1]

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Tick the box for the wave with the lowest speed in air. 

ultraviolet

ultrasound

visible light

A group of students want to determine the speed of sound in air.

 Describe a method they can use. State the measurements they need to make.

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Circle two of the following that apply to an ultrasound wave travelling in air.

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Calculate the wavelength of X-rays with frequency 1.3 × 10¹⁷ Hz in a vacuum.

 wavelength = ...........................................................

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Gamma rays are the highest energy waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. 

State the maximum speed of gamma rays in a vacuum.

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Calculate the frequency of a gamma ray with a wavelength of 6.5 × 10⁻¹³ m.

frequency = .................................... 

Fig. 1.1 shows a radio wave. Each 1 cm square is equal to 2 m.

(i) State the wavelength of the radio wave in Fig 1.1.

[1]

(ii) Sketch on Fig. 1.1 a wave that has a greater amplitude and lower frequency.

[2]

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A radio wave with a frequency of 20 GHz travels through the vacuum of space. 

Calculate the wavelength of this radio wave.

 wavelength = ....................................

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State why sound waves and radio waves have different frequencies at the same wavelength.