Combined

Science

Waves
Waves facts Fold page here

1) What does a wave transfer? 1) A wave transfers energy from one place to another.
2) What causes a wave? 2) A vibration.
3) What is the definition of a transverse wave? 3) The vibration causing a transverse wave is
4) What is the definition of a longitudinal perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave.
wave? 4) The vibration causing a longitudinal wave is parallel
5) Give three examples of longitudinal waves. to the direction of travel of the wave.
6) Give three examples of transverse waves 5) Sound, ultrasound and primary earthquake (P) waves
7) What is a compression? 6) Water waves, all EM waves and secondary
8) What is a rarefaction? earthquake (S) waves.
9) What is the amplitude? 7) A compression is when particles in a longitudinal
10) What is the wavelength? wave are closest together.
11) What is the frequency? 8) A rarefaction is when particles in a longitudinal wave
12) What are the units of wave speed, are furthest apart.
wavelength and frequency? 9) The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a
13) What is the wave speed equation? wave from its equilibrium position.
14) What speed do EM waves travel at? 10) The wavelength is the distance from a point on one
15) What speed does sound travel at? wave to the same point on the next wave.
16) List the EM waves in order from longest to 11) The frequency is the number of waves passing a point
shortest wavelength. each second.
17) Which EM wave has the highest frequency? 12) Wave speed – m/s, wavelength – m, frequency – Hz.
18) Which EM wave has the most energy?
19) Which three EM waves are ionising? 13) v=f×λ
20) What happens when light travels from air 14) 300,000,000 m/s
into a glass block? 15) 330 m/s
21) What happens when light travels from a 16) Radio, microwave, infra-red, visible, ultra-violet,
glass block into air? x-ray, gamma.
22) What is the law of reflection? 17) Gamma
23) What is the danger of ultra-violet radiation? 18) Gamma
19) Ultra-violet, x-ray and gamma.
24) What is the danger of X-rays and gamma 20) It refracts towards the normal as glass is more dense
ray? than air.
25) What are radio waves used for? 21) It refracts away from the normal as air is less dense
26) What are microwaves used for? than glass.
22) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
27) What is infra-red used for? reflection.
28) What is visible light used for? 23) Can cause skin to age prematurely and increase the
29) What is ultra-violet used for? risk of skin cancer.
30) What are X-rays used for? 24) X-rays and gamma rays are ionising radiation that can
31) What are gamma rays used for? cause the mutation of genes and cancer.
25) Television and radio transmission.
26) Satellite communication (as they can travel through

Name ______________________________
ionosphere) and for cooking food.
27) Electrical heaters, cooking food and infrared cameras
28) Fibre optic communications (and our vision!)

Class ______________________________
29) Energy efficient lamps, sun tanning.
30) Medical imaging and security scanning.
31) Medical treatment (radiotherapy).

Teacher ______________________________
Waves transfer energy from one place to another.

There are two types of wave; longitudinal and transverse.

In longitudinal waves, the vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel.

In a longitudinal wave, the region where the particles are closest together is
called a compression. The region where the particles are furthest apart is called
a rarefaction. The distance between one compression/rarefaction and the next
compression/rarefaction is called the wavelength.

In transverse waves, the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of wave
travel.

In a transverse wave, the area of zero

displacement is called the equilibrium
position. The top of a wave is called the
peak or crest, and the bottom of a wave
is called the trough. The distance
between the equilibrium position and
the peak/crest is called the amplitude.
The distance between one crest/trough
and the next crest/trough is called the
wavelength.

Place the following waves in the correct column Transverse Longitudinal

opposite:
Light Sound Ultra-violet Ultra-sound Light Sound
Ripples on water All EM waves
UV Ultrasound
Water
EM Waves
Basic:

1. What do waves transfer? energy

2. What are the two types of wave? Transverse and longitudinal
3. Cross out the wrong one:
- Transverse waves vibrate at right angles to the direction of energy transfer
- Longitudinal waves vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer
4. The wave below is transverse / longitudinal. Label the wave.
Top left – wavelength; top right – crest; bottom left – trough; bottom right - amplitude

5. The wave below is transverse /

Wavelength rarefaction compression

Medium: Draw a line from the word to the correct definition.

Wavelength Distance between two waves

Amplitude Height of a wave
Crest Top of a wave
Trough Bottom of a wave
Compression Where particles are closest together
Rarefaction Where particles are furthest apart

For each wave described below, identify the wave as a transverse or longitudinal wave.

1. The wave created by moving the end of a spring toy up and down. Transverse
2. The wave created by moving the end of a spring toy back and forth parallel to the length of the spring.
Longitudinal
3. A sound wave. Longitudinal
4. An ocean wave. Transverse
5. An electromagnetic wave. Transverse

Hard: Use complete sentences. Look at the number of marks available.

1. Describe the differences between longitudinal waves and

transverse waves (3).
1 – In transverse waves, the vibrations are at right angles to the
direction of travel whereas in longitudinal waves the vibrations are parallel.
2 – Transverse waves have peaks and troughs whereas longitudinal waves have compressions and
rarefactions
3 – Transverse waves have an equilibrium position, at the point of zero displacement
2. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves. Describe how radio waves are different from sound waves. (4)
1 – Radio waves are transverse waves and sound waves are longitudinal
2 – Radio waves travel at a right angle to the direction of travel
3 – Radio waves have peaks and troughs, not compressions & rarefactions
4 – Radio waves have an equilibrium position
3. Describe how switching the desk lamp on and off shows that light waves transfer energy. (2)
When the light is switched on, energy will be transferred to the solar panel, which will in turn transfer
energy to the electric motor and the blades will spin.

(a) Figure 1 shows two waves.

 (i) Name one wave quantity that is the same for the two waves. (1)

____________wavelength_____________________

(ii) Name one wave quantity that is different for the two waves. (1)

______________amplitude____________________

(iii) The waves in Diagram 1 are transverse.

Which one of the following types of wave is not a transverse wave?

Draw a ring around the correct answer. (1)

gamma rays sound visible light

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal wave being produced in a stretched spring.

Figure 2

(b) Which of the letters on Figure 1 shows the centre of a rarefaction? (1)

J K L M

(b) Which two letters in Figure 1 have a distance of one wavelength between them? (1)

J and K K and L L and M J and M

(d) Describe how the end of the stretched spring should be moved in order to produce a
transverse wave. (1)
the oscillation should be perpendicular to the direction of the stretched spring
 Time period and frequency
The time period is similar to the wavelength, but is a measure of how long it
takes a wave to travel a wavelength.

The frequency measures how many waves travel past a point every second.
The equation that links time period and frequency is:

T=1÷f

where T is the time period (in seconds)

f is the frequency (in Hertz)

Stretch:

a) How many waves are on the

diagram? 2
b) What is the time period of the
wave? 0.4s (time of one wave)
c) What is the frequency of the
wave? 2.5Hz (1 / 0.4)

The larger the amplitude, the louder the sound

The smaller the wavelength, the higher the pitch of the sound

Example question 1) Which of these

waves is louder? Why? The second
because the amplitude is larger

Example question 2) Which of these

waves has a higher pitch? Why? The
second because the wavelength is
smaller
Basic

Q1: Write the equation that links time period and frequency. T = 1 / f
Q2: What are the units of time period and frequency? Time (seconds), frequency (Hertz)
Q3: Calculate the time period when the frequency is:
a) 10 Hz 0.1s b) 5 Hz 0.2s c) 0.2 Hz 5s d) 1200 Hz 0.000083s e) 0.006 Hz 166.6s
Q4: What is the definition of frequency? how many waves travel past a point every second
Medium
Q5: Rearrange the equation to give an equation for frequency. f = 1 / t
Q6:

Hard
Q7: A note is played on an electric keyboard. The frequency of the note was 440 Hz. What
does a frequency of 440 Hz mean? 440 waves travel past a point every second
Q8: Calculate the time period when the
To go from kHz to Hz → × 1000
frequency is:
a) 2 kHz. 0.0005s b) 0.5 kHz 0.002s c) 150 kHz
0.0000066s d) 0.2 kHz 0.005s
e) 0.01 kHz 0.1s
Q9: Calculate the frequency when the time period is:
a) 0.5 seconds 2Hz
b) 0.01 seconds 100Hz
c) b) 5 milliseconds 200Hz
d) c) 2 milliseconds 500Hz
 e) 1 minute 0.0166Hz
f) 30 minutes 0.00055Hz
g) 1 hour 0.00027Hz g) 1 year. 3.168x10-8 Hz
Q10: What is the time period of the wave
opposite? 2.5 s
Q11 Using the answer to Q10, what is the
frequency of the wave opposite? 0.4 Hz

Q1. The teacher places a microphone near the pupil

as she plays her flute. The diagram below shows the pattern on an oscilloscope
screen.

The pupil then plays her flute at a

higher pitch and more quietly.
Which diagram below shows the
pattern that would be seen on the
oscilloscope?

Tick the correct box. B

1 mark

Q2. The diagrams below show the patterns produced on an oscilloscope by three
different sound waves.

(i) Which two waves have the same loudness?

Write the letters.

A and C
How do the diagrams show this?

(ii) Which two waves have the same pitch?

Write the letters.

B and C

How do the diagrams show this?

[5]
 The wave equation

The wavelength equation says that the velocity of a wave is equal to the
frequency multiplied by the wavelength:

v=f × λ

where v is the velocity (m/s)

f is the frequency (Hz)
λ is the wavelength (m)

Example question: A wave has a frequency of 12 kHz and a wavelength of 20

cm. Calculate the wave speed.

Step 1: Write the equation.

v=f × λ

Step 2: Write down the variables

f = 12 kHz = 12,000 Hz
v = 20 cm = 0.2 m
Step 3: Calculate the answer
v = 12,000 × 0.2 = 2400 m/s

The speed of light is always constant at 300,000,000 m/s (3 x 108 m/s).

Nothing can travel faster than this.
All electro-magnetic waves travel at the speed of light.

Stretch: Sound travels a distance of 686 m in a time of 2 seconds. Calculate the

speed of sound.
How does it compare to the speed of light?
F=1/t
= 0.5Hz
v=f × λ

= 0.5 x 686
= 343m/s
How does it compare to the speed of light? Much slower than the speed
of light.

Tasks:
Basic:
Q1. Write down the wave equation. v=f × λ
Q2. Write down the units and symbols for velocity, frequency and wavelength. m/s, Hz, m
Q3. What is the wave speed if:
a) f = 5 Hz, λ = 1 m 5m/s b) f = 6 Hz, λ = 0.25 m 1.5m/s c) f = 10 Hz, λ = 0.2 m 2m/s
d) f = 0.01 Hz, λ = 25 m 0.25m/s e) f = 2000 Hz, λ = 4 m 8000m/s f) f = 0.05 Hz, λ = 80 m
4m/s
Medium (need to rearrange equations)
Q4. Re-arrange the equation to give two equations for f and λ.
v
f=
λ
v
λ=
f
Q5. What is the wave frequency if:
a) v = 5 m/s, λ = 1 m 5Hz
b) v = 330 m/s, λ = 0.01 m 33,000Hz
c) v = 1,500 m/s, λ = 0.5 m 3000Hz
d) v = 0.1 m/s, λ = 80 m 0.00125Hz
e) v = 17 m/s, λ = 0.1 m 170Hz
f) v = 300,000,000 m/s, λ = 0.002 m 150,000,000,000Hz
Q6. What is the wavelength if:
a) f = 25 Hz, v = 2 m/s 0.08m
b) f = 15 Hz, v = 0.1 m/s 0.0066m
c) f = 1,800 Hz, v = 0.2 m/s 0.00011m
d) f = 22 Hz, v = 2 m/s 0.0909m
e) f = 1,300 Hz, v = 20 m/s 0.0154m
f) f = 6,500,000 Hz, v = 343 m/s 0.0000527m
Hard (word questions with unit conversions)
Q7. A sound wave has a frequency of 3.43 kHz and a
wavelength of 0.1m. Calculate the speed of sound. To go from kHz to Hz → × 1000
v=f × λ
 = 3430 x 0.1
= 343m/s

Q8. Dr. Edmunds (strangely) decides to sing to the class and sings with a frequency of 6.86 kHz
and a wavelength of 0.05 m. Calculate the speed.
6860 x 0.05 = 343m/s
Q9. A wave has a speed of 550 m/s and a frequency of 11 kHz. Calculate the wavelength.
v
λ=
f
= 550 / 11,000
= 0.05m
Q10 A wave has a speed of 250 m/s and a frequency of 15 kHz. Calculate the wavelength.
v
λ=
f
= 250 / 15,000
= 0.0166m
Q11 The speed of any EM wave is 300,000,000 m/s.
Calculate the frequency of a radio wave with wavelength To go from cm to m → ÷ 100 of
10 cm.
v
f=
λ
= 300,000,000 / 0.1
= 3,000,000,000Hz
Q12 Microwaves are a transverse wave of wavelength 0.05 cm. Calculate the frequency of a
microwave.
v
f=
λ
= 300,000,000 / 0.0005
= 600,000,000,000Hz
Q1.
A note was played on an electric keyboard.

The frequency of the note was 440 Hz.

(a) (i) What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean?

440 (sound) waves produced in one second (1)

(ii) The sound waves produced by the keyboard travel at a speed of 340 m / s.

Calculate the wavelength of the note.

Give your answer to three significant figures.

(3)

(b) Figure 1 shows a microphone connected to a cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) being used
to detect the note produced by the keyboard.

Figure 1

Figure 2 shows the trace produced by the sound wave on the CRO.

Figure 2
A second note, of different wavelength, was played on the keyboard.

Figure 3 shows the trace produced by the sound wave of the second note on the CRO.

Figure 3

The settings on the CRO were unchanged.

What two conclusions should be made about the second sound wave produced by the
keyboard compared with the first sound wave?

Give a reason for each conclusion.

(4)
(Total 8 marks)
 Ripple tank practical

To measure the wavelength of a wave in a

ripple tank, use a ruler and take a picture
with a camera.
Example question:
a) Use just one wave from the photo to
get the wavelength of a wave.
b) Now use ten and take an average.
Which is more accurate?

To measure the frequency count the

number of waves that pass a point in 10
seconds and divide by 10. We can record it
and play back in slow motion.

Example question: If 15 waves pass a point

in 10 seconds, then the frequency is 15 ÷ 10 = 1.5 Hz

Mini-task. Calculate the frequency if:

1) 120 waves pass every 10 seconds 12Hz

2) 5 waves pass every 10 seconds 0.5Hz

3) 1500 waves pass every 10 seconds.

150Hz

When we’ve measured the frequency and the

wavelength we can use the wave speed equation to
calculate the speed of the wave.
Mini-task.

1) What is the wave speed equation? Velocity = frequency x

wavelength
2) The measured frequency was 10 kHz and the measured wavelength
was 15 mm. Calculate the speed of the wave. 10,000 x 0.015 =
150m/s
Task: Complete in your exercise book
Basic
Q1. How do we measure the wavelength of a wave in a ripple tank? Use a ruler and take a picture with a
camera.
Q2. How do we measure the frequency of a wave in a ripple tank? Count the number of waves that pass a
point in 10 seconds and divide by 10. We can record it and play back in slow motion.
Q3. Once we’ve measured the frequency and the wavelength of a wave in a ripple tank, how do we find out
the wave speed? Use the wave equation
Medium
Q4. Why is it a benefit to measure the length of ten wavelengths and then take an average? It’s more
accurate
Q5. Calculate the frequency if: a) 50 waves pass a point in 10 seconds. 5Hz
b) 20 waves pass a point in 2 seconds. 10Hz
c) 100 waves pass a point in 20 seconds. 5Hz
Q6. The measured frequency of a wave is 5 Hz. Calculate the wave speed for each of the wavelengths:
a) 0.1 m 0.5m/s
b) 20 cm 1m/s
c) 2 mm 0.01m/s
Q7. The measured wavelength is 0.02m. Calculate the wave speed for each of the frequencies:
a) 10 Hz 0.2m/s
b) 0.2 kHz 4m/s
c) 5 kHz 100m/s
Hard
A ripple tank is used to investigate the behaviour of water
waves. A bar moves up and down to make the waves.

Q8. What is the wavelength of each wave in the diagram?

2cm
Q9. The ripple tank produces 10 waves in 2 seconds. What is the frequency of the waves? 5Hz
Q10. The bar is made to move faster. It now produces waves with a frequency of 20 Hz and a wavelength
of 0.5 cm. Calculate the speed of the waves in units of cm/s.
Velocity = frequency / wavelength
= 20 / 0.5
= 40cm/s
Q11. A student uses the ripple tank to investigate
the relationship between depth of water and
speed of waves. The graph shows the student’s
results.

There is one anomalous result. On the graph,

draw a ring around the anomalous result.

Q12. On the graph, draw a line of best fit.

Q13. Use your line of best fit to find the speed of

a wave at a depth of 20cm. approx. 2.6cm/s

Q1.
Small water waves are created in a ripple tank by a wooden bar. The wooden bar vibrates up
and down hitting the surface of the water.

The figure below shows a cross-section of the ripple tank and water.

(a) Which letter shows the amplitude of a water wave? (1)

(b) The speed of the wooden bar is changed so that the bar hits the water fewer times each
second.

What happens to the frequency of the waves produced? (1)

The frequency decreases

(c) Describe how the wavelength of the water waves in a ripple tank can be measured
accurately. (2)
use a metre rule / 30 cm ruler to measure across 10 (projected) waves
(accept any practical number of waves number for 10)
and then divide by 10

(d) The water waves in a ripple tank have a wavelength of 1.2 cm and a frequency of 18.5
Hz.

How does the speed of these water waves compare to the typical speed of a person
walking?
(4)
 Reflection
All EM waves reflect if they hit a reflective surface. Light is the most common
example of this and it’s how we can see ourselves in a mirror.

Law of Reflection:

Angle of incidence (°) = angle of reflection (°)

i (°) = r (°)

The law of reflection is true for any type of wave being reflected from a surface.

Put your mirror carefully on the line labelled ‘mirror’. Draw a line from each dot
to the point where the normal line meets the mirror. Shine your light ray along
this line and then draw another line to show where the reflected ray is.
Measure the angles using a protractor and fill in the table below:

Angle of incidence (°) Angle of reflection (°)

Plot your results on the graph below.

Q1.
The diagram below shows the apparatus a student used to investigate the reflection of light by a
plane mirror.

The student drew four ray diagrams for each angle of incidence.

The student measured the angle of reflection from each diagram.

The table below gives the student’s results.

Angle of reflection

Angle of incidence Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

20° 19° 22° 20° 19°
30° 31° 28° 32° 30°
40° 42° 40° 43° 41°
50° 56° 49° 53° 46°

(a) For each angle of incidence, the angle of reflection has a range of values.

This is caused by an error.

What type of error will have caused each angle of reflection to have a range of values?

Random error
(1)

(b) Suggest what the student may have done during the investigation to cause each angle of
 reflection to have a range of values.

(1)

(c) Estimate the uncertainty in the angle of reflection when the angle of incidence is 50°.

Show how you determine your estimate.

Uncertainty = ± _____________________ °
(2)

(d) The student concluded that for a plane mirror, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle
of reflection.

Explain whether you agree with this conclusion.

Use examples from the results in the table below in your answer.
 (2)

(e) What extra evidence could be collected to support the student’s conclusion?

(1)

(f) State one change the student should make to the apparatus if he wants to use the same
method to investigate diffuse reflection.

(1)
(Total 8 marks)
 Refraction
When an EM wave (like light) travels into a material that is more dense (for
example from air into a glass block), it refracts towards the normal (an
imaginary line at right angles to the surface). This is because light travels
slower in objects that are more optically dense.
Label the diagram below:

Refraction can also be shown with wavefronts.

In a more dense material (like glass) the wave travels
more slowly. The wavelength therefore decreases.
Waves can be absorbed, transmitted, reflected or
refracted when travelling from one object to another.

Which of the diagrams show

absorption, transmission, reflection and
refraction?
Transmission, reflection, refraction
and absorption (left to right)
Aim: To investigate how angle of incidence affects angle of refraction
Prediction:
I predict that as the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction will
increase/decrease.

Equipment:






Method
1. Put a piece of plain ________ on the desk. (use the blank page opposite)
2. Set up a power pack and ____ _______ so that a single ray of light is shining across
the plain ________.
3. Place a rectangular _________ _________ on the paper.
4. Draw around the ______ ___________.
5. Draw a normal line at _______ ________ to the block.
6. Shine the ray of light into the _________ line.
7. Using a ________, put small crosses to show where the rays of light go.
8. Take the __________ __________ off the paper. Use a ________ to join the crosses
and show the path of the light.
9. Use a ___________ to measure the angles of incidence and the angles of refraction
from the normal.

Results
Light entering the block Light leaving the block

Angle of incidence Angle of refraction Angle of incidence Angle of refraction

Q1.
The data given in the table below was obtained from an investigation into the refraction of light
at an air to glass boundary.

Angle of Angle of
incidence refraction
20° 13°

30° 19°

40° 25°

50° 30°

(a) Describe an investigation a student could complete in order to obtain similar data to that
given in the table above.

Your answer should consider any cause of inaccuracy in the data.

A labelled diagram may be drawn as part of your answer.

 (6)

(b) State the reason why light is refracted as it crosses from air into glass.
velocity / speed of the light decreases
allow velocity / speed of the light changes
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
 Electromagnetic Waves

The electro-magnetic (EM) spectrum is a family of 7 waves.

They are all transverse and travel at the speed of light.

Mini task:
1. Which wave has the longest wavelength? Radio
2. Which wave has the highest frequency? Gamma
3. Which wave has the highest energy? Gamma
4. Which wave has the biggest hazard? Gamma, Xray and UV
The three EM waves with the most energy are ionising:
• UV
• X-rays
• Gamma rays
The order of visible light: ROY G. BIV

Task: Complete in exercise book

Basic
1. How many EM waves are there? Seven
2. All EM waves are transverse/longitudinal? Transverse
3. What speed do EM waves travel at? 300,000,000m/s
4. List the EM waves in order (from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength).
What is the mnemonic we use to memorise this? RMIVUXG – Radio,
Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma
5. Write the order of the colours in visible light (from longest wavelength to
shortest wavelength). ROYGBIV – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo,
Violet
6. Which EM wave:
a) Has the longest wavelength? Radio waves
b) Has the highest frequency? Gamma
c) Has the least energy? Radio waves
7. What three EM waves that are ionising? Describe what ionisation is. UV, Xray
and gamma rays. Ionisation can cause atoms to become charged
Medium
8. What wave(s) have more energy than ultraviolet? Gamma and Xray
9. What wave(s) have a longer wavelength than infrared? Microwaves and
radiowaves
10. Describe why ionising radiation can be harmful. Ionisation radiation can
damage body cells and tissues, causing tissue damage or cancer
11. Microwaves and visible light are two types of EM wave. Both can be
used for communications. Give two properties that are common to both visible
light and microwaves. Non-ionising, longer wavelength
Hard
12. We use ultrasound to scan unborn babies, and not X-rays. Explain why
we do not use X-rays to scan unborn babies. To prevent unborn babies being
exposed to dangerous ionising radiation
13. Describe the differences between visible light waves and sound waves.
Visible light waves are transverse waves – travel at right angles to the
direction of travel, have an equilibrium point. Sound waves are longitudinal
and travel parallel to direction of travel. Sound waves cannot travel through a
vacuum.
14. Mobile phones send signals using microwaves. Explain why most people
believe that these microwaves are not harmful to health. Microwaves have a
long wavelength, low frequency, low energy and are non-ionising.
15. A mobile phone network uses microwaves to transmit signals through
the air. The microwaves have a frequency of 1.8 × 109 Hz and travel at a
speed of 3.0 × 108 m/s. Calculate the wavelength of the microwaves. 0.016m
 16. Dr. Edmunds used to work with a “frequency-doubled
Nd:YAG” laser. This emitted scary green light at a nm → m × 10-9
wavelength of 532nm. Calculate the frequency of this light.
5.64x1014

Dr. Edmunds also used to work with an even scarier CO2 laser
μm → m × 10-6
which he definitely didn’t accidentally set fire to a computer monitor
with once. Nope. That definitely didn’t happen. It had a wavelength
of 10.6 μm. Calculate the frequency of this laser.
2.83x1013

17. A thunderstorm is happening near HAB. The thunder is heard a time of

15 seconds after the lightning. How far away is the thunderstorm?

Sound travels at 340m/s

340 x 15 = 2600m

Q1. The diagram shows some of the kinds of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Choose words from this list to complete the empty boxes on the diagram. (3)

alpha radiation infrared radiation radio waves X-rays

Q2. Infrared and microwaves are two types of electromagnetic radiation.

The diagram below shows the positions of the two types of radiation within part of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
 (a) Name one type of electromagnetic radiation which has more energy than infrared.

(b) Use the correct answer from the box to complete each sentence.

Each answer may be used once, more than once or not at all. (3)

greater than less than the same as

The wavelength of infrared is less than the wavelength of microwaves.

The frequency of microwaves is less than the frequency of infrared.

The speed of microwaves in a vacuum is the same as the speed of infrared in a vacuum.

Q3. (a) Which one of the following is not an electromagnetic wave? (1)
Tick one box.

Gamma rays

Sound X

Ultraviolet

X-rays

(b) What type of electromagnetic wave do our eyes detect? (1)

Visible light

Scientists have detected radio waves emitted from a distant galaxy.

Some of the radio waves from the distant galaxy have a frequency of 1 200 000 000 hertz.

(c) Which is the same as 1 200 000 000 hertz? (1)

Tick one box.

1.2 gigahertz X
 1.2 kilohertz

1.2 megahertz

1.2 millihertz

(d) Radio waves travel through space at 300 000 kilometres per second (km/s).

How is 300 000 km/s converted to metres per second (m/s)? Tick one box. (1)

300 000 ÷ 1000 = 300 m/s

300 000 × 1000 = 300 000 000 m/s

300 000 + 1000 = 301 000 m/s

300 000 – 1000 = 299 000 m/s

(e) Write the equation which links frequency, wavelength and wave speed. (1)

wave speed = frequency × wavelength

(f) Calculate the wavelength of the radio waves emitted from the distant galaxy.

Give your answer in metres. (3)

 Uses of Electromagnetic Waves
Radio waves are used for radio/TV transmissions. They are used
for this purpose because they are long wavelength and can diffract
(bend) around large objects. They are reflected from a part of the
atmosphere called the ionosphere and so travel long distances.
Microwaves are used in microwave ovens (duh!), mobile phones and
satellite communication (as they can travel through the ionosphere). A
danger of microwaves is that they can cause internal tissue heating.
Infrared is used in remote controls, heating and in night vision (because
warmer objects give out more infrared). A danger of infred is skin burns.
Light is used for seeing, in devices that look inside our body (called
endoscopes) and for fibre-optic communication. The danger of light is
blindness. This is why you should never look directly into the Sun.
Ultraviolet is used in sun beds and in security marking on bank notes. Too
much ultraviolet can cause sun burn (sun cream works by absorbing U-V).
As ultraviolet is ionising it can damade/mutate cells and cause cancer.
X-rays are used to image luggage and to X-ray broken bones. X-rays are also
ionising and so X-rays should not be taken of pregnant women. Instead
ultra-sound scans are used as ultra-sound is not ionising.
X-rays are absorbed by dense structure like bone (but go through less
dense objects). X-rays show up on film or charge-couple device (CCD).
Gamma radiation is used to sterlise food and medical equipment. It can
also be used in radiotherapy to kill cancerous cells. Gamma is the most
ionising out of all the EM
waves.
Basic: Match up the following parts of the EM spectrum with their uses

Gamma rays Sterilise equipment

Radio waves Carry TV signals

Ultra Violet Causes sun burn ‘

Visible Allow us to see

Microwaves Mobile phones

X rays See’ broken bones

Infra Red Remote Controls

Medium
1. What is the danger of:
a) Visible light Can cause blindness
b) Infra-red Can cause skin burns
c) Microwaves Can cause internal tissue
heating
2. Which three EM waves are ionising? What
does ionising mean and what is it dangerous?
Gamma, UV and Xray. Can cause atoms to
become charged which can damage body cells
and tissues or cause cancer.
3. What does sterilisation mean? What property
of gamma waves makes it suitable for sterilising food/medical equipment?
Sterilisation is the process of making something free of bacteria or microorganisms. Gamma rays are ionising
so kill bacteria.
4. What does sun-screen do to UV light? Sunscreen blocks and absorbs UV light
5. Different parts of the EM spectrum are useful for different methods of communication. The diagram shows a
transmitter emitting two electromagnetic waves L and M.
a) i) Wave L is used to send a signal to a satellite. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does wave L
belong to? Microwave
ii) What name is given to the process that occurs as wave L passes into the ionosphere? Refraction
b) I) Wave M is reflected by the ionosphere. On the diagram above, draw the path of wave M until it
reaches the receiver. Reflects off at the same angle
ii) On the diagram above, draw a line to show the normal where wave M meets the ionosphere. Label
the line N.
c) Give two properties of all electromagnetic waves. EM waves are all transverse waves, so vibrations are
at right angles to the direction of travel. Can travel through vacuums. Transfer energy as radiation.
Hard
6. The photo shows an X-ray of an arm with a
broken bone.
a) Complete the following sentence. X-
rays are part of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
b) The graph shows how the intensity of
the X-rays changes as they pass
through soft tissue and reach a
detector.
i) Use the graph to determine the intensity of X-rays
reaching the detector for a 3cm thickness of soft tissue.
2.2
 ii) Describe how the thickness of soft tissue affects the intensity of the X-rays. As the thickness of soft tissue
increases, the intensity of X-rays decreases

iii) The data in the graph is shown as a line graph and not as a bar chart. Explain why.
The data collected is continuous

c) What happens to X-rays when they enter a bone? Bones absorb the radiation
d) How are images formed electronically in a modern X-ray machine? Bones absorb the radiaton but other
tissues let the radiation pass through. Black areas show where x-rays passed through to the film, white
areas show where denser tissue like bones have absorbed the radiation.
e) Radiographers who take X-ray photographs may be exposed to X-rays. X-rays can increase the risk of the
radiographer getting cancer. Why can X-rays increase the risk of getting cancer? Xrays are ionising
radiation
f) What should the radiographer do to reduce the risk from X-rays? Aim the xray at the target area and
stand behind a protective screen

Q1.
The figure below shows an incomplete electromagnetic spectrum.

A microwaves B C ultraviolet D gamma

(a) What name is given to the group of waves at the position labelled A in the figure above?

Tick one box.

infrared

radio X

visible light

X-ray

(1)
(b) Electromagnetic waves have many practical uses.

Draw one line from each type of electromagnetic wave to its use.

Electromagnetic
Use
wave

For fibre optic

communications

Gamma rays

For communicating with a

satellite

Microwaves

To see security markings

Ultraviolet

To sterilise surgical
instruments

(3)

(c) Complete the sentence.

Use an answer from the box.

black body ionising nuclear

 X-rays can be dangerous to people because X-rays are

__ionising_______ radiation.
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

Q2.
Diagram 1 shows four of the seven types of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Diagram 1

Visible Radio
J K L Infrared Microwaves
light waves

(a) The four types of electromagnetic wave named in Diagram 1 above are used for
communication.

(i) Which type of electromagnetic wave is used when a traffic signal communicates
with a car driver?

visible light
(1)

(ii) Which type of electromagnetic wave is used to communicate with a satellite in

space?

microwaves
(1)

(b) Gamma rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Which letter, J, K or L, shows the position of gamma rays in the electromagnetic

spectrum?

Draw a ring around the correct answer.

J K L
(1)
(c) Diagram 2 shows an infrared wave.

Diagram 2

(i) Which one of the arrows, labelled A, B or C, shows the wavelength of the wave?

Write the correct answer, A, B or C, in the box. B

(1)

(ii) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.

shorter than

The wavelength of infrared waves is the same as the wavelength

longer than
of radio waves.
(1)

(d) Mobile phone networks send signals using microwaves. Some people think the energy a
person’s head absorbs when using a mobile phone may be harmful to health.

(i) Scientists have compared the health of people who use mobile phones with the
health of people who do not use mobile phones.

Which one of the following statements gives a reason why scientists have done
this?

Tick ( ) one box.

To find out if using a mobile phone is harmful to

X
health.

To find out if mobile phones give out radiation.

 To find out why some people are healthy.

(1)

(ii) The table gives the specific absorption rate (SAR) value for two different mobile
phones.

The SAR value is a measure of the maximum energy a person’s head absorbs
when a mobile phone is used.

Mobile Phone SAR value in W/kg

X 0.28

Y 1.35

A parent buys mobile phone X for her daughter.

Using the information in the table, suggest why buying mobile phone X was the best
choice.

(2)
 Infra-Red radiation

Heat can move by travelling as infrared waves.

Infrared waves heat objects that absorb them and so can be called thermal
radiation.
Matt black surfaces are the best absorbers and emitters of radiation.
Shiny surfaces are the worst absorbers because they reflect most of the
radiation away and the worst emitters.

An object called a Leslie cube can help show this. A Leslie cube is a
metal can with one silvered side and one matt black side. There is a
hole in the hole so that it can be filled with hot water.
The matt black side is a better emitter of IR radiation and so a thermal
camera or IR thermometer shows a greater temperature.
This can also be shown by using an aluminium can, with one side
painted matt black.
Basic

1. How do infrared waves heat objects? Infrared waves

transfer energy to objects which causes them to heat
up
2. What is another name for infrared waves? Thermal
radiation
3. Which type of surface is the best absorber of infra-red
radiation? Matt black
4. Which type of surface is the worst absorber of infra-
red radiation? Shiny silver
5. Which type of surface is the best emitter of infra-red radiation? Shiny silver
6. Which type of surface is the worst emitter of infra-red radiation? Matt black
7. Using the diagram opposite, which of the metal plates (J, K or L) will have the hottest temperature after
being heated for 5 minutes. Explain why. L because it absorbs radiation better and may also absorb radiation
reflected by the other two plates.

Medium

8. The diagram to the left shows an experiment to find

out what happens to infrared waves when they strike
different surfaces. The water in the black tube gets
hotter than the water in the shiny tube. Choose
words from the list to complete the sentences

below.

Radiates, absorbs, reflects

 9. The metal sheets in the diagram to the left absorb infrared radiation. The wax melts and the drawing pins fall
off the surfaces.
a) Draw one line from each variable to the correct description of that variable.
Control – distance from metal sheets
Dependent – time taken for pins to fall off
Independent – surface colour of sheets
b) The drawing pin attached to the matt black metal sheet fell off first. What can be concluded from this
result? Matt black metal sheet conducts heat more quickly

Hard

10. a) A company is developing a system which can heat up and melt ice on roads in the winter. During
the summer, the black surface of the road will heat up in the sunshine. This energy will be stored in a
large amount of soil deep under the road surface. Pipes will run through the soil. In winter, cold water
entering the pipes will be warmed and brought to the surface to melt ice. The system could work well
because the road surface is black. Suggest why.

b) What is meant by specific latent heat of fusion? The specific latent heat of a substance is the
amount of energy needed to change the state of 1 kg of the substance without changing its
temperature.

c) Calculate the amount of energy required to melt 15 kg of ice at 0°C. Specific latent heat of fusion
of ice = 3.4 × 105 J/kg. E = mL = 15 × 3.4 × 105 = 5.1 × 106 J
The diagram shows the design of a solar cooker. The cooker heats water using infrared
radiation from the Sun.

(a) Why is the inside of the large curved dish covered with shiny metal foil? (1)

To reflect the infrared

(b) Which would be the best colour to paint the outside of the metal cooking pot?

Draw a ring around the correct answer.

black silver white

Give a reason for your answer. (2)

(c) Why does the cooking pot have a lid? (1)

(d) Calculate how much energy is needed to increase the temperature of 2 kg of water by
80 °C. (3)

The specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J/kg °C.