Practise 26 exam-style questions on Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves for AQA GCSE Physics. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
26 questions
1–6 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum. Two of the groups are labelled P and Q.
Give one practical use of group P and one practical use of group Q.
Model answer
P is radio waves, which are used for television and radio broadcasting. Q is ultraviolet, which is used in energy efficient lamps and for sun tanning.
Explanation
First identify the groups from their positions: P is at the long-wavelength end (radio waves) and Q is between visible light and X-rays (ultraviolet). Then recall a use of each from the specification list.
Mark scheme
1 mark
P (radio waves): television / radio broadcasting
allow any correct use of radio waves, e.g. communication with ships / walkie-talkies
1 mark
Q (ultraviolet): energy efficient lamps / sun tanning / sunbeds
allow detecting forged bank notes / security marking / sterilising water
Question 2
2 marks
Most television remote controls use infrared rather than radio waves.
Suggest why infrared is suitable for remote controls.
Model answer
Infrared does not pass through walls, so the remote control only operates the television in the same room and will not change the channel on a neighbour's television.
Explanation
Choosing a wave for a job means matching its properties to what is needed. For a remote control, a short range that is stopped by walls is an advantage, whereas radio waves would pass through walls into other rooms.
Mark scheme
1 mark
infrared does not pass through walls
any two from these points; max 2; allow it is absorbed / reflected by walls
1 mark
so it will not operate televisions in other rooms / neighbouring houses
1 mark
it only works over a short range / when pointed at the TV
1 mark
it is not harmful at these low powers
Question 3
3 marks
Doctors use X-rays to check whether a bone is broken.
Explain why X-rays are suitable for this, but visible light is not.
Model answer
X-rays pass through skin and soft tissue but are absorbed by bone, so a detector behind the patient records a shadow image of the bones, and a break shows up as a line where the X-rays get through. Visible light is absorbed or reflected by the skin, so it cannot pass into the body to show the bones.
Explanation
X-rays are useful for imaging because different tissues absorb them by different amounts. Visible light does not penetrate the skin, so it cannot be used to see inside the body in this way.
Mark scheme
1 mark
X-rays pass through / are transmitted by skin and soft tissue
1 mark
X-rays are absorbed by bone, so the bone shows up on the image (as a shadow)
allow a crack shows where X-rays pass through the gap
1 mark
visible light cannot pass through the skin / is absorbed or reflected by the skin
Question 4
4 marks
An electric bar heater has a metal bar that glows red hot. Behind the bar is a curved, shiny metal surface.
Explain how the heater warms a person on the other side of the room, and why the surface behind the bar is shiny.
Model answer
The red-hot bar emits infrared radiation, which travels across the room. When it reaches the person it is absorbed by their skin and clothes, increasing their thermal energy store, so they feel warm. The shiny surface reflects infrared and absorbs very little of it, so infrared that is emitted backwards is reflected out into the room towards the person instead of heating the back of the heater.
Explanation
Infrared is suitable for heaters because it is absorbed by the surfaces of objects and people, transferring energy directly to them. Shiny surfaces are good reflectors and poor absorbers of infrared, so they are used to direct the radiation where it is wanted.
Mark scheme
1 mark
the hot bar emits infrared radiation
1 mark
the infrared is absorbed by the person's skin / clothes, increasing their thermal energy store / temperature
1 mark
the shiny surface reflects infrared (and absorbs very little)
allow shiny surfaces are poor absorbers
1 mark
so more of the infrared is directed out into the room / towards the person
allow the back of the heater does not get as hot
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