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

Exam Questions

1 hour24 questions
1a3 marks

Fig. 7.1 shows some devices that each use one type of electromagnetic radiation.

em-radiation

Draw one line from each device to the correct type of electromagnetic radiation. One has been done for you.

1b2 marks
(i)
State the name of one type of radiation that has a longer wavelength than visible light.

[1]

  

(ii)
Complete the sentence about electromagnetic radiation. Use a word from the list below.
  
amplitude frequency speed wavelength
 

All types of electromagnetic radiation travel through a vacuum with the same __________

 
[1]

Did this page help you?

23 marks

Fig. 9.1 shows a partially-labelled diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum.

q9a

(i)
On Fig. 9.1, add the names of the missing radiations at A and at B.
[2]
 
(ii)
Indicate the radiation that has the lowest frequency. On Fig. 9.1, draw a ring around the radiation.
[1]

Did this page help you?

3a4 marks

Fig. 8.1 shows an incomplete diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum.

 

cie-2019-12

 

Complete Fig. 8.1 with the names of the missing types of radiation in the correct boxes.

3b1 mark

State one use for ultraviolet radiation.

Did this page help you?

41 mark

Complete the sentence below. 

Gamma rays have the same ___________ as visible light, but different __________ and ____________.

Did this page help you?

1a3 marks

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

18p3-6a

(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]
1b4 marks

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

[2]

Did this page help you?

2a3 marks

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

fyg-D3c0_q7a

(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]

2b1 mark

Extended Tier Only

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

 

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

Did this page help you?

33 marks

Extended Tier Only

Fig. 7.1 shows some parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

q7a

(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]

Did this page help you?

4a4 marks

Extended Tier Only

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

q7

(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]
4b2 marks

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]

Did this page help you?

1a2 marks

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

 
feb-march-2018-32-q9
(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]
1b1 mark

Extended Tier Only

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

 
square ultraviolet
square ultrasound
square visible light
1c4 marks

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.

Did this page help you?

2a2 marks

Extended Tier Only

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

 
KE993JhS_q6a
2b3 marks

Extended Tier Only

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

 

 

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

Did this page help you?

3a1 mark

Extended tier only

 

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

 

State the maximum speed of gamma rays in a vacuum.

3b2 marks

Extended Tier Only

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

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

Did this page help you?

4a3 marks

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

 

grid

 
(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]
4b3 marks

Extended tier only

 

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

 

Calculate the wavelength of this radio wave.

 
 
wavelength = ....................................
4c2 marks

Extended tier only

 

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

Did this page help you?