Electromagnetic waves: AQA GCSE Combined Science questions

Every AQA GCSE Combined Science exam question on 6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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3,069 questions

Q03.2
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q03.3
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q03.4
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
4 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
Mark scheme (PDF)
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Q03.5
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
2 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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$June 2025 Physics Paper 2 Higher, question 03.5: A ray of visible light incident on the lens in a pair of sunglasses is refracted. Figure 3 shows a wave front diagram for visible light incident on the lens. Fi$
Q03.6
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
2 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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$June 2025 Physics Paper 2 Higher, question 03.6: Figure 4 shows a ray of visible light incident on glass. The angle of incidence is 45°. Figure 4 The angle of refraction of the ray in the glass is 28°. Complet$
Q05.1
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q05.2
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
2 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q05.3
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
4 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q05.4
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
3 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q05.5
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Higher
4 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.1
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.2
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.3
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.4
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
2 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.5
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
3 marks6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.6
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves 6.3.2 Internal energy and energy transfers
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Q02.7
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q02.8
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q05.1
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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Q05.2
June 2025 · Physics Paper 2 Foundation
1 mark6.6.2 Electromagnetic waves
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All 60 questions on Electromagnetic waves, as a list

June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.2 (1 mark): Ultraviolet can cause sunburn and eye damage. Give one other risk to health from exposure to ultraviolet. [1 mark]
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.3 (1 mark): Complete the sentence. [1 mark] Compared with the wavelength of visible light, the wavelength of ultraviolet is .
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.4 (4 marks): A wave of visible light has a frequency of 6.25 × 1014 Hz. speed of light = 3.00 × 108 m/s Calculate the wavelength of this light. Use the Physics Equations She
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.5 (2 marks): A ray of visible light incident on the lens in a pair of sunglasses is refracted. Figure 3 shows a wave front diagram for visible light incident on the lens. Fi
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.6 (2 marks): Figure 4 shows a ray of visible light incident on glass. The angle of incidence is 45°. Figure 4 The angle of refraction of the ray in the glass is 28°. Complet
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.1 (1 mark): What type of error is shown by the measurements? [1 mark]
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.2 (2 marks): Determine the uncertainty in the measurements. [2 marks] Uncertainty = ± °C
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.3 (4 marks): Complete Figure 7. You should: • use a suitable scale for the y-axis • plot the data from Table 1 • draw a line of best fit. The data for 10 minutes and 12 minu
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.4 (3 marks): The temperature of the black cube increased from 18 °C to 63 °C in the first 2.0 minutes. Calculate the average rate of change of temperature of the black cube
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.5 (4 marks): The student made two observations: 1. The rate of change of temperature was initially greater for the black cube than for the white cube. 2. After a few minutes
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.1 (1 mark): What was the independent variable in this investigation? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Colour of water Final temperature of water Volume of water
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.2 (1 mark): Which of the following was a control variable in this investigation? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Initial temperature of water Time taken for water to cool Type o
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.3 (1 mark): What equipment should have been used to make sure 200 cm3 of water was put in the conical flask? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Beaker Measuring cylinder Metre rule
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.4 (2 marks): The student also tested water with no food colouring. The temperature of the water changed from 80.0 °C to 65.0 °C in a time of 5.0 minutes. Calculate the avera
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.5 (3 marks): Complete Figure 4. You should: • label the y-axis • add a scale to the y-axis • draw bars for the green water and the violet water. [3 marks] Figure 4
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.6 (1 mark): In the visible spectrum, orange light is between red light and yellow light. Estimate the rate of change of temperature if orange food colouring was used. Use T
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.7 (1 mark): Complete the sentence. Choose the answer from the box. [1 mark] infrared ultraviolet x-rays The results show that the colour of the water affects the rate at wh
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.8 (1 mark): Complete the sentence. Choose the answer from the box. [1 mark] energy rarefactions temperature The water in each conical flask cools down because the electroma
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q05.1 (1 mark): Which electromagnetic waves are used to transfer data between Earth and satellites? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Gamma rays Microwaves Ultraviolet Visible light
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q05.2 (1 mark): Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the greatest frequency? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Gamma rays Microwaves Ultraviolet Visible light
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q05.5 (1 mark): The satellites receive and transmit data using electromagnetic waves with different frequencies. Give one property that is the same for electromagnetic waves wi
June 2025, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q05.6 (1 mark): Most homes are connected to the internet using cables. Suggest one reason why homes in some areas of the UK are connected to the internet by satellites. [1 mark
June 2024, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.1 (1 mark): Give one other property that is the same for all types of electromagnetic wave. [1 mark]
June 2024, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.3 (1 mark): Which group of electromagnetic waves is used for satellite communications? [1 mark]
June 2024, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.4 (1 mark): Visible light is the only group of electromagnetic waves that the human eye can detect. Which colour of visible light has the shortest wavelength? [1 mark]
June 2024, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.5 (2 marks): The three highest frequency groups of electromagnetic waves are hazardous. Describe a risk linked to each group of high frequency electromagnetic wave. [2 marks
June 2024, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q03.6 (3 marks): The electromagnetic waves emitted by the mobile phone have a period of 4.0 × 10–10 s. Calculate the frequency of the waves. Use the Physics Equations Sheet. Giv
June 2023, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q01.1 (2 marks): Name groups A, B and C in Figure 1. [2 marks] A B C
June 2023, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q01.2 (2 marks): Give one similarity and one difference between the properties of ultraviolet waves and gamma rays. [2 marks] Similarity Difference
June 2023, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q01.3 (1 mark): Light changes direction when it enters the glass prism. What name is given to this process? [1 mark]
June 2023, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q06.1 (2 marks): Name groups A, B and C in Figure 14. [2 marks] A B C
June 2023, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q06.2 (2 marks): Give one similarity and one difference between the properties of ultraviolet waves and gamma rays. [2 marks] Similarity Difference
June 2023, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q06.3 (1 mark): Light changes direction when it enters the glass prism. What name is given to this process? [1 mark]
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.1 (4 marks): Explain two improvements to the method the student used. [4 marks] 1 2
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.2 (2 marks): Complete the sentences. [2 marks] After 100 seconds the temperature difference between the black flask and the white flask was °C The temperature of the white f
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.3 (1 mark): The initial rate of absorption of infrared radiation by the black flask was greater than the initial rate of absorption by the white flask. How does Figure 8 sh
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.4 (4 marks): Explain why the temperature of the water in the flasks increased and then became constant. [4 marks]
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q01.1 (1 mark): What do all electromagnetic waves transfer? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Charge Energy Matter Sound
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q01.2 (2 marks): Complete the sentence. Choose answers from the box. [2 marks] charge frequency speed wavelength Different types of electromagnetic waves have a different and a
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q01.3 (2 marks): Figure 1 shows the electromagnetic spectrum. Figure 1 Give the names of parts A and B of the electromagnetic spectrum. [2 marks] A B
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q01.4 (3 marks): Different types of electromagnetic waves have different uses. Draw one line from each type of electromagnetic wave to its use. [3 marks] Type of electromagnetic
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.1 (1 mark): The student poured hot water into each flask. What should the student do to reduce the risk of burning herself with the hot water? [1 mark]
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.2 (4 marks): Describe how the student should use the equipment in Figure 2 to compare the power of the infrared radiation emitted by each surface. [4 marks]
June 2022, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q02.4 (1 mark): What is the most likely value for the power of the infrared radiation emitted after 480 seconds? Use Table 1. [1 mark] Tick () one box. 4.0 W 4.2 W 4.4 W 4.6 W
November 2021, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q02.7 (1 mark): The tracking device sends data to a computer during the game. Suggest one advantage of the data being sent during the game. [1 mark]
November 2021, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.1 (2 marks): Explain why the infrared camera is able to show that parts of the hand are at different temperatures. [2 marks]
November 2021, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.2 (1 mark): Infrared has a range of wavelengths from 700 nm to 1 mm. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum would have waves with a wavelength of 6.5 × 10–7 m? [1 mark]
November 2021, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.3 (4 marks): Figure 9 shows X-rays and gamma rays being used for medical imaging. Figure 9 X-rays Gamma rays To use X-rays for medical imaging, a machine produces a very bri
November 2021, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q07.7 (1 mark): The tracking device sends data to a computer during the game. Suggest one advantage of the data being sent during the game. [1 mark]
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.1 (2 marks): Explain why X-rays can be used to produce images of the bones inside the body. [2 marks]
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.2 (3 marks): Table 2 shows the effect of exposure to different doses of radiation. Table 2 Dose in mSv Effect on the human body 100 slightly increased risk of cancer 1000 5%
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.3 (3 marks): Radio waves form part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Figure 10 shows one use of radio waves. Figure 10 Explain how electrical signals in the transmitter produ
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q03.1 (1 mark): Which substance will not absorb X-rays? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Bone Metal Skin Table 1 shows the effect of exposure to different doses of radiation. Table 1
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q03.2 (1 mark): During one X-ray a person receives a dose of 0.100 mSv Why is this dose unlikely to harm the person? [1 mark]
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q03.3 (1 mark): A doctor takes an X-ray photograph of a person. When taking the X-ray photograph, the doctor stands behind a screen. Suggest why. [1 mark]
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q03.4 (1 mark): Which of the following are gamma rays used for? [1 mark] Tick () one box. Cooking food Energy-efficient lamps Sterilising medical equipment
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q03.5 (1 mark): Why are gamma rays and X-rays harmful to humans? [1 mark] Tick () one box. They are ionising They are radioactive They travel at the speed of light
November 2020, Physics Paper 2 Foundation, Q03.6 (4 marks): Electromagnetic waves are also used in communications. Describe how microwaves and visible light are used in communications. [4 marks] Microwaves Visible light
June 2018, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.2 (3 marks): The radio waves have a frequency of 4.8 × 109 Hz Wave speed of electromagnetic waves = 3.0 × 108 m/s Calculate the wavelength of the radio waves. Give your answ
June 2018, Physics Paper 2 Higher, Q05.3 (3 marks): Describe how the radio waves reaching the car aerial produce signals in the electrical circuit of the car radio. [3 marks]

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