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Edexcel GCSE Combined Science

Topic questions Waves Electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves

16 questions · 146 marks · about 3 hours

Electromagnetic waves questions

Edexcel 1SC0 Electromagnetic waves 16 questions

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2025 Foundation tier, Question 1 9 marks

(a)

Draw one straight line from each electromagnetic radiation to its correct description.

Figure for question 1
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(a)
(b)

Different colours of light have different frequencies.

Which of these colours has the highest frequency?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)
(c)

Figure 1 is a diagram of a glass block being used to investigate the refraction of light.

Figure for question 1

(Source: © ajizai/docstoc.com)

Figure 1

The angle of incidence was varied and the angle of refraction was measured each time.

Figure 2 shows the results in a table.

Figure for question 1

Figure 3 shows a graph of these results.

Figure for question 1
(c)(i)

The two shaded rows in Figure 2 are not plotted on the graph in Figure 3.

Plot these missing results on the graph in Figure 3.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

Draw a curve of best fit through the points on the graph in Figure 3.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(c)(ii)
(c)(iii)

Using figure 3, describe the relationship between the angle of refraction and the angle of incidence.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(c)(iii)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2025 Higher tier, Question 3 9 marks

(a)

When light travels from air into glass, it is refracted.

To investigate this, a student has a rectangular glass block and a ray box.

The ray box produces a ray of light.

Describe how the student should use the glass block and ray box to produce a refracted ray and mark its position.

You may draw a diagram to help your answer.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)
(b)

Figure 6 is a table of data for three coloured beams of light travelling from air into glass.

Figure for question 3

Using data from Figure 6,

(b)(i)

state what happens to the wavelength of light when the light travels from glass into air

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

state what happens to the frequency of light when the light travels from glass into air.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

The speed of blue light in air is 3.0 × 108m / s.

Calculate the change in the speed of blue light when it travels from air into glass.

Use the equation

v = f × λ

change in speed =........

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(iii)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2024 Foundation tier, Question 1 7 marks

This question is about the electromagnetic spectrum.

(a)

X-rays and microwaves are both parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Use words from the box to complete the sentences.

amplitude frequency longitudinal speed transverse wavelength

X-rays and microwaves are both........ waves.

In a vacuum, x-rays and microwaves always have the same........ .

X-rays always have a higher........ than microwaves.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(a)
(b)

Figure 1 shows the full electromagnetic spectrum.

Figure 2 gives information about four of the types of electromagnetic radiation shown in Figure 1.

Figure for question 1

State the name of each type of radiation next to its information.

Figure for question 1
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2024 Higher tier, Question 3 9 marks

Ultraviolet (UV) waves from the Sun travel towards the Earth.

Ultraviolet waves can be grouped by wavelength.

The three groups of wavelengths are UVA, UVB and UVC.

Figure 4 shows, for each group,

• the wavelength range

• the effect of the Earth’s atmosphere on each type of UV wave.

Figure for question 3
(a)
(a)(i)

Explain why UVC is potentially the most dangerous ultraviolet radiation but does not cause harm to people.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

The speed of electromagnetic radiation is 3 00. maths symbol108 m/s.

Calculate the frequency of the shortest wavelength of UVB radiation.

frequency =........ Hz

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(ii)
(b)

UV radiation of wavelength 365 nm is used to detect forged banknotes.

In a genuine banknote there are marks that cannot be seen using visible light. These marks can be seen using UV radiation.

Explain why the marks can be seen when the UV radiation shines on the banknote.

Your answer should refer to the energy of electrons in atoms.

You may draw a diagram to help with your answer.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2023 Foundation tier, Question 1 8 marks

This question is about waves in the electromagnetic (e‑m) spectrum.

(a)
(a)(i)

Figure 1 shows some types of radiation that form part of the e‑m spectrum and some uses of e‑m radiation.

Draw one straight line from each type of e‑m radiation to its use.

One line has been drawn for you.

Figure for question 1
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Which of these waves has the highest frequency?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
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(b)

X‑rays are also part of the e‑m spectrum.

Figure 2 shows an airport security scanner using X‑rays to scan passengers’ bags.

Figure for question 1
(b)(i)

Explain why X‑rays are used to scan passengers’ bags.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Explain why passengers are not scanned with X‑rays.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)(ii)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2023 Higher tier, Question 4 11 marks

(a)

Figure 6 shows two technicians, L and M, measuring the speed of sound in air.

Figure for question 4

L fires a starting pistol.

M starts a stopwatch when first seeing the smoke from the starting pistol.

M stops the stopwatch when hearing the bang made by the starting pistol.

The distance between L and M is 120 m.

M’s reaction time is 0.23 s.

The speed of sound in air is 330 m / s.

(a)(i)

Calculate M’s reaction time as a percentage of the time sound takes to travel from L to M.

........ %

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Which of these would improve the technicians’ measurement of the speed of sound?

Question 4, shown as an image
[1]
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(b)

Figure 7 shows the difference in refraction of sound waves and light waves when these waves travel from air into water.

Figure for question 4

Explain why the refraction of the sound wave is different from the refraction of the light wave in Figure 7.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)
(c)

Light is one example of an electromagnetic wave.

Light can transfer energy from a lamp to the leaf of a plant, causing chemical reactions in the leaf.

Describe examples of two other electromagnetic waves transferring energy.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(c)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2022 Foundation tier, Question 1 6 marks

(a)

Figure 1 shows how the visible spectrum of white light is shown on a screen.

Figure for question 1
(a)(i)

Which of these is the best piece of equipment to produce the white light?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
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(a)(ii)

Which colour is seen between yellow and blue in the spectrum on the screen?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
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(b)

Figure 2 shows the main parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Figure for question 1

Complete the following sentences using information from Figure 2. Each part of the electromagnetic spectrum may be used once, more than once or not at all.

(b)(i)

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum used to detect broken bones is

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum used in thermal imaging is

[1]
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(b)(iii)

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that

• is used to cook food

AND

• has a shorter wavelength than microwaves is

[1]
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(b)(iv)

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that

• is used to sterilise medical equipment

AND

• has a shorter wavelength than x‑rays is

[1]
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Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2022 Higher tier, Question 6 13 marks

This question is about waves in the electromagnetic (e.m.) spectrum.

(a)

The potential danger associated with the waves of the e.m. spectrum increases as

Question 6, shown as an image
[1]
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(b)(i)

A microwave oven uses waves of frequency 2.45 GHz.

Calculate the wavelength of the microwaves.

Question 6, shown as an image

wavelength =........ m

[3]
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(b)(ii)

The microwave oven is 55% efficient and transfers 42 000 J of energy to some food when it is heated.

Calculate the total amount of energy that must be supplied to the oven.

energy supplied to oven =........ J

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(ii)
(c)

*(c) X-rays and radio waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and have different uses.

These radiations are produced in different ways.

X-rays are emitted when electrons within an atom go through energy changes.

Radiowaves are produced by electrons in circuits.

Compare X-rays with radio waves.

Your answer should refer to

• the uses of both types of radiation

• the different ways that electrons are involved in producing X-rays and radio waves.

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)

Paper 5: Physics 1 November 2021 Foundation tier, Question 1 6 marks

(a)

Figure 1 shows the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Figure for question 1
(a)(i)

Which row of the table names the parts J, K and L of the electromagnetic spectrum?

Figure for question 1
[1]
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(a)(ii)

All electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum.

Which of these is the same for all electromagnetic waves travelling in a vacuum?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
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(b)

X-rays can be useful and harmful to humans.

(b)(i)

State one way that x-rays are useful to humans.

[1]
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(b)(ii)

State one way that x-rays are harmful to humans.

[1]
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(c)

A person warms their hands in front of a hot fire as shown in Figure 2.

Figure for question 1

Use words from the box to complete the following sentences.

chemical infrared radio thermal ultraviolet

The electromagnetic waves that the fire mostly emits are........ waves.

These waves transfer........ energy to the hands.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(c)

Paper 5: Physics 1 November 2021 Higher tier, Question 3 9 marks

A student is investigating the refraction of light.

Figure 4 shows part of the apparatus and the angles to be measured.

Figure for question 3

The student measures angle r for several different values of angle i.

Figure 5 shows the student’s results.

Figure for question 3
(a)(i)

On the graph in Figure 5, draw the best fit curve.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Use the graph in Figure 5 to estimate the value of angle r when angle i is 80°.

angle r =........ °

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

Describe how angle r changes with angle i for the results shown on the graph in Figure 5.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(iii)
(b)

In Figure 4, the frequency of the light remains the same in glass as in air.

Which row of the table describes what happens to the wave velocity and to the wavelength of the light when the light travels from air to glass?

Figure for question 3
[1]
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(c)

In Figure 6, only refraction of light is shown.

Other things happen to the light as it travels from P to Q.

The intensity (brightness) of the light at Q is less than the intensity of the light at P.

Figure for question 3

Explain the decrease in intensity as the light travels from P to Q.

You may add to Figure 6 to help your answer.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)
(d)
Figure for question 3
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(d)

Paper 5: Physics 1 November 2020 Foundation tier, Question 1 6 marks

(a)

Draw one line from each use of wave to the matching electromagnetic wave.

One line has been drawn for you.

Figure for question 1
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(a)
(b)

Ultraviolet light has a higher frequency than infrared light.

Which of these colours of visible light has the highest frequency?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)
(c)

Figure 1 shows how the brightness of a source of light changes with wavelength.

Figure for question 1

Describe how the brightness changes with wavelength.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(c)

Paper 5: Physics 1 November 2020 Higher tier, Question 5 11 marks

(a)

Which of these describes isotopes of an element?

Figure for question 5
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)
(b)

Figure 7 represents a decay that can happen inside the nucleus of an atom.

Figure for question 5

Which decay is represented in Figure 7?

Question 5, shown as an image
[1]
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(c)

The half-life of cobalt-60 is 5 years.

A school cobalt source had an activity of 38.5 kBq in the year 2000.

Estimate the activity of this source in the year 2020.

activity =........ kBq

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(c)
(d)

Explain what can happen to the body if a person has a prolonged exposure to gamma rays.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(d)
(e)
Figure for question 5
(e)(i)

Calculate the average count rate, in counts / s, from the graph.

Show your working on the graph.

average count rate =........ counts / s

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(e)(i)
(e)(ii)

The student says that the experiment must have been done carelessly because the data seemed quite scattered away from the best fit line.

The teacher claims such results should be expected in radioactivity experiments.

Justify the teacher’s claim.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(e)(ii)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2019 Higher tier, Question 1 9 marks

(a)

Which colour of visible light has the longest wavelength?

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
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(b)

Some television remote controls use infrared radiation and other remote controls use radio waves.

Explain why an infrared remote control may not switch on the television from behind an armchair but a radio wave remote control always will.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)
(c)

Figure 1 is a diagram of a water wave.

A cork is floating on the water.

Figure for question 1
(c)(i)

Use the scale on the diagram to measure the wavelength of the wave.

wavelength =........ cm

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

Describe the motion of the cork.

You should include how the cork moves relative to the direction of travel of the wave.

[2]
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(d)

A different water wave has a wavelength of 0.25 m and a frequency of 1.5 Hz.

Calculate the wave speed.

wave speed =........ m/s

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(d)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2019 Higher tier, Question 6 13 marks

(a)

Some sunglasses have photochromic lenses.

Photochromic lenses are clear when the lenses are indoors but they darken in bright sunlight to reduce the effects of the sunlight.

Photochromic lenses react to ultraviolet light.

Suggest a benefit of making the lenses go dark with ultraviolet light.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Radio waves from Jupiter take 40 minutes to reach Earth.

Light waves from the Sun take 8 minutes to reach Earth.

Calculate how many times further it is from Earth to Jupiter than from Earth to the Sun.

State the property of electromagnetic radiation that is used in your answer.

........ times

property........

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)

Ultraviolet waves cover a range of frequencies.

Scientists divide this range into three types, UVA, UVB and UVC.

The table in Figure 11 shows the frequency range for each type.

typefrequency range in Hz
UVA7.5 1014 to 9.4 1014
UVB9.4 1014 to 10 1014
UVC10 1014 to 30 1014
Question 6, shown as an image

Figure 12 is a diagram about the effect that the Earth’s atmosphere has on three types of ultraviolet radiation.

Figure for question 6

Describe how the effects change with wavelength, using information from Figure 11 and Figure 12.

The width of the arrows drawn indicates the amount of radiation that is involved.

Calculations are not required.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)
(d)

*(d) Radio waves and gamma radiation are at opposite ends of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Compare how these two electromagnetic radiations are produced.

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(d)

Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2018 Foundation tier, Question 5 11 marks

(a)

A student investigates what happens when light travels from air to glass.

Figure 8 shows some of the apparatus used in the investigation.

Figure for question 5
(a)(i)

In Figure 8, angle Y is the angle of

Question 5, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Figure 9 is a graph of the student’s results.

Figure for question 5

Use the graph to calculate a value for

Question 5, shown as an image
Question 5, shown as an image
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

The student concludes that angle Y is directly proportional to angle X.

Explain what the student must do to test this conclusion in more detail.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)(iii)
(b)

The speed of light is 3.0 × 108m/s.

The wavelength of yellow light is 5.8 × 10−7m.

Calculate the frequency of yellow light.

State the unit.

Use the equation

Question 5, shown as an image

frequency =........ unit........

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)
(c)
(c)(i)

Give one colour of light that has a longer wavelength than yellow light.

[1]
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(c)(ii)

Give one colour of light that has a higher frequency than yellow light.

[1]
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Paper 5: Physics 1 June 2018 Higher tier, Question 3 9 marks

(a)

Figure 5 shows a tuning fork.

Figure for question 3

When the prongs of the tuning fork are struck, the prongs vibrate in the directions shown by the arrows on Figure 5.

Describe how the vibrating tuning fork causes a sound wave to travel through the air.

You may add to the diagram if it helps your answer.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)
(b)

The following descriptions describe waves from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Complete each description by adding the name of the wave.

Use the name of each wave only once. Each description refers to a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Description 1

used in cooking

used in short-range communication

typical wavelength 900 nm

name of wave........

Description 2

used in cooking

used in communication

typical wavelength 150 mm

name of wave........

Description 3

used in communication

produced by oscillations in electrical circuits

typical wavelength 150 m

name of wave........

Description 4

used in medical scanning

is emitted by the nucleus of an atom

typical wavelength 2.0 × 10−3nm

name of wave........

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)
(c)

When white light crosses the boundary between air and glass, it can split up into the colours of the spectrum.

Explain, in terms of speed, why the light behaves like this.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)

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