GCSE Physics Specification

OCR A J249

Section P5.2: The electromagnetic spectrum

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#P5.2a

recall that electromagnetic waves are transverse and are transmitted through space where all have the same velocity

#P5.2b

explain that electromagnetic waves transfer energy from source to absorber

examples from a range of electromagnetic waves

#P5.2c

apply the relationships between frequency and wavelength across the electromagnetic spectrum

#P5.2d

describe the main groupings of the electromagnetic spectrum and that these groupings range from long to short wavelengths and from low to high frequencies

radio, microwave, infrared, visible (red to violet), ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays

#P5.2e

describe that our eyes can only detect a limited range of the electromagnetic spectrum

#P5.2f

recall that light is an electromagnetic wave

#P5.2g

give examples of some practical uses of electromagnetic waves in the radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma ray regions

#P5.2h

describe how ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects, notably on human bodily tissues

#P5.2i

explain, in qualitative terms, how the differences in velocity, absorption and reflection between different types of waves in solids and liquids can be used both for detection and for exploration of structures which are hidden from direct observation, notably in our bodies

the use of infrared, X-rays, gamma rays and ultrasound as an alternative in medical imaging

#P5.2j

recall that radio waves can be produced by, or can themselves induce, oscillations in electrical circuits