3.3 The electromagnetic spectrum3. Waves
-- Core -- ✔︎ Know the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency and in order of wavelength. Know that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same high speed in a vacuum. Describe typical uses of the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum including: a) radio waves; radio and television transmissions, astronomy, radio frequency identification (RFID) b) microwaves; satellite television, mobile phones (cell phones), microwave ovens c) infrared; electric grills, short range communications such as remote controllers for televisions, intruder alarms, thermal imaging, optical fibres d) visible light; vision, photography, illumination e) ultraviolet; security marking, detecting fake bank notes, sterilising water f) X-rays; medical scanning, security scanners g) gamma rays; sterilising food and medical equipment, detection of cancer and its treatment Describe the harmful effects on people of excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation, including: a) microwaves; internal heating of body cells b) infrared; skin burns c) ultraviolet; damage to surface cells and eyes, leading to skin cancer and eye conditions d) X-rays and gamma rays; mutation or damage to cells in the body Know that communication with artificial satellites is mainly by microwaves: a) some satellite phones use low orbit artificial satellites b) some satellite phones and direct broadcast satellite television use geostationary satellites Physics Resources is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Pearson Edexcel. Our questions are written for this site to match each course's content. They are not official exam board or past-paper questions.
