Electromagnetic Waves Practice Questions

Write the names of the two missing groups of the electromagnetic spectrum in the correct spaces in the table.

Which statement about the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum is correct?

Put a cross ( ☒ ) in the box next to your answer.

☐ A They are all longitudinal waves.

☐ B They all travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

☐ C They all have the same frequency.

☐ D They can all be detected by the human eye.

A hot radiator emits infrared radiation. Explain why a person cannot see this radiation.

Complete the table by writing the name of the group of the electromagnetic spectrum used for each job at the airport.

job at the airport	name of electromagnetic wave
scanning the inside of passengers' luggage
checking whether a banknote is a forgery
communication between the control tower and an aircraft in flight

Explain why X-rays are suitable for scanning the inside of luggage.

State what all electromagnetic waves transfer from the source to the observer.

Give one example, other than visible light, of an electromagnetic wave transferring energy from a source to an observer. State the result of this energy transfer.

Describe a method the student could use to measure the angle of refraction for a ray entering the block at an angle of incidence of $40°$.

Suggest one way the student could reduce the uncertainty in the angles measured.

Complete the diagram to show the path of the ray inside the glass block and after it has left the block.

Explain, in terms of the speed of the light, why the ray changes direction as it enters the glass block.

A bowl of tomato soup is heated right through in two minutes in a microwave oven. When the same soup is placed under a grill, which uses infrared radiation, only a thin layer at the surface becomes hot in the same time.

Explain why the two types of radiation heat the soup differently.

A museum marks valuable objects with a special ink. The mark cannot be seen in daylight, but it glows with a bright green light when an ultraviolet lamp is shone on it.

Explain, in terms of changes to the electrons in the atoms of the ink, why the mark glows green.

Which of these electromagnetic waves presents the greatest potential danger to people?

Put a cross ( ☒ ) in the box next to your answer.

☐ A infrared

☐ B microwaves

☐ C ultraviolet

☐ D X-rays

A lifeguard works outdoors all day in summer. Describe one harmful effect on the lifeguard of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and give one precaution that reduces this risk.

State what radio waves cause to happen when they arrive at a receiving aerial.

Compare how X-rays and radio waves are produced.

State one harmful effect on a person of excessive exposure to microwaves.

Explain, in terms of wavelength, why the mesh stops microwaves escaping from the oven but still allows a person to see the food inside.