The properties common to all electromagnetic waves, the seven regions of the spectrum in order of wavelength, and the source, uses and hazards of each type.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Your mobile phone, a microwave oven, a TV remote and a dentist’s X-ray all use the same kind of wave. Only the wavelength is different.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Transverse; travel in a vacuum at 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s; carry energy; v = fλ.
Radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.
Shorter wavelength means higher frequency and higher energy.
Broadcasting, communication; cooking.
Remote controls, thermal imaging, heating.
Sterilising; sunburn and skin cancer.
Medical imaging, cancer treatment, sterilising; ionising and harmful.
c = 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (14 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [14 marks]
The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. Take c = 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s.
(a) (a) State two properties common to all electromagnetic waves. [2]
(b) (b) List the seven types of wave in order of increasing wavelength starting with gamma rays. [2]
(c) (c) Name one source and one use of each: (i) infrared; (ii) X-rays. [4]
(d) (d) State one hazard of ultraviolet radiation. [1]
(e) (e) A radio station broadcasts at 100 MHz. Calculate the wavelength. [3]
(f) (f) Describe one way in which visible light and radio waves are the same and one way they differ. [2]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.