The electromagnetic spectrum: OCR GCSE Physics A questions

Every OCR GCSE Physics A exam question on P5.2 The electromagnetic spectrum, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 75 questions on The electromagnetic spectrum, as a list

June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): Which row explains how energy moves from object X to object Y by an electromagnetic wave? Object X Electromagnetic wave Object Y A absorbs energy emits energy t
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q14 (1 mark): An electromagnetic wave travels in a vacuum. A second electromagnetic wave travelling in a vacuum has a smaller wavelength. Which row describes how the frequenc
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q17(a) (1 mark): Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is emitted by the stickers so they can be seen in the dark? [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q17(b) (3 marks): A student thinks the stars look green when they glow. Green light has a wavelength of 5.3 × 10–7 m and a speed of 3.0 × 108 m / s. Calculate the frequency of gr
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(a)(i) (1 mark): Describe one hazardous effect of X-rays on human tissue. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(a)(ii) (1 mark): The radiographer stands behind a lead barrier while doing the scan. Explain how the barrier will protect the radiographer. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the mean peak wavelength using the data in Table 19.1. Give your answer in standard form in metres. Mean peak wavelength = m [2]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(b)(ii) (1 mark): Give one reason why the technician repeats the measurements. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(b)(iii) (2 marks): The technician scans a different patient and records the results as shown in Table 19.2. Table 19.2 Measurement Peak wavelength (μm) 1 9.43 2 9.41 3 8.25 What s
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(c) (1 mark): Describe one other practical use of infrared radiation. [1]
June 2025, Paper 4 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): An electromagnetic wave travels in a vacuum. A second electromagnetic wave travelling in a vacuum has a smaller wavelength. Which row describes how the frequenc
June 2025, Paper 4 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): Red light has a maximum wavelength of 750 nm. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation with a wavelength of 850 nm? A infrared B ultraviole
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q10 (1 mark): Which statement about electromagnetic waves in air is always correct? A High frequency waves have a higher velocity than low frequency waves. B High frequency w
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q11 (1 mark): The graph shows the electromagnetic radiation emitted by four objects at different temperatures. Which object has the highest temperature? A Intensity of electr
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the sentences to explain the cause of the lines in the emission spectrum. Use words from the list. atoms electrons light protons sound move from a high
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): Which electromagnetic waves can cause cancer and help treat cancer? A Gamma rays and X-rays B Infrared and X-rays C Microwaves and infrared D Radio waves and ga
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): A radio wave has a frequency of 88 MHz. What is 88 MHz converted to kHz? A 0.088 kHz B 88 000 kHz C 88 000 000 kHz D 88 000 000 000 kHz Your answer [1]
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q12 (1 mark): The diagram shows energy levels in an atom. Arrow X shows the movement of an electron that has absorbed infrared radiation. A X Increasing energy B C D Which ar
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(d) (4 marks): A green laser emits light with a wavelength of 5.32 × 10–7 m. The speed of the green light is 3.0 × 108 m / s. Calculate the frequency of the laser light. Use t
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(e) (1 mark): Recently scientists have aimed infrared lasers at the Moon. Explain why infrared radiation cannot be seen in the sky. [1]
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(f)(i) (2 marks): Describe the difference between visible light and infrared radiation using the words frequency and wavelength. [2]
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(b) (2 marks): All objects emit radiation. The graph shows how the intensity of the radiation emitted by star A and star B varies with the wavelength of the radiation. Star A
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(c) (6 marks): (c)* Explain why the average temperature of the Earth is increasing. In your answer, write about: • the radiation absorbed and emitted by the Earth • the effect
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): This diagram shows an electron in the second energy level in an atom. Electromagnetic Third energy level radiation Key = Electron Second energy level = Nucleus
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table to show the electromagnetic waves in order of decreasing wavelength. Use the words in the list. gamma-rays ultra-violet X-ray [2]
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(a)(ii) (1 mark): Complete the sentence about electromagnetic waves in space. Use the words in the list. decreases increases stays the same As the wavelength of an electromagneti
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(b) (2 marks): Fig. 19.1 shows how the intensity of the Sun’s radiation changes with wavelength. Fig. 19.1 Intensity 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 Wavelength (μm) Use Fig. 19.1 to
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(c)(i) (1 mark): Use the table and Fig. 19.2 to name the electromagnetic wave at maximum intensity. [1]
June 2023, Paper 4 Higher, Q11 (1 mark): A radio aerial receives radio signals. The aerial is connected to a radio receiver using a cable. Aerial Cable How does the radio signal travel through the cabl
June 2023, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(a)(i) (2 marks): Draw an arrow on the diagram showing the transition of an electron in the lowest energy level when it is lost from the atom. [2]
June 2023, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(a)(ii) (2 marks): Complete each sentence about the electron transitions in the diagram. Use the words in the list. absorbed emitted excited ionised higher than lower than the sam
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a) (3 marks): This question is about electromagnetic waves. Draw lines to connect each wave with its correct use or property. Wave Use or Property Gamma-rays Can cause sunbur
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Which type of wave is the most dangerous? Tick (3) one box. Infra-red Microwaves X-rays [1]
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): Identify two reasons for your answer to (b)(i). 1 2 [2]
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): The diagram shows food being heated in a microwave oven. Source of microwaves Read these statements about the microwave oven: 1. The microwaves energy. 2. The f
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): A hot object emits radiation. The graph shows how the intensity of the radiation varies with wavelength. Intensity Peak Wavelength wavelength The temperature of
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q13 (1 mark): The table shows two uses of electromagnetic radiation. Which row in the table is correct? Used for satellite communication Used for measuring temperature A Micr
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): Which statement about infra red radiation is correct? A Infra red has the shortest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. B Infra red is emitted by humans.
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q9 (1 mark): Which answer equals 2.45 × 109 Hz? 9 A 2.45 GHz B 2.45 kHz C 2.45 MHz D 2.45 THz Your answer [1]
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q12 (1 mark): An electrical circuit has an alternating current. What type of wave can be produced by the alternating current? A Gamma rays B Radio C Ultraviolet D X-rays Your
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q13 (1 mark): An atom loses an electron after absorbing some electromagnetic radiation. Which row of the table describes what happens? Energy of electron Charge on the atom A
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(a) (4 marks): Table 19.1 shows the distance from the Sun to Earth and the distance from the Sun to Mars, when Mars and Earth are closest. Distance from the Sun to Earth 1.50
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q23(a) (2 marks): It took humans a long time to discover IR and UV radiation. Suggest two reasons why. 1 2 [2]
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q23(b) (5 marks): Look at the information about some UV radiation: • The wavelength of the UV radiation is 0.18 μm. The wave speed of the UV radiation is 3.0 × 108 m. • Calculate
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q23(c)(i) (3 marks): Describe the difference in the absorption of UV radiation at 0.31 μm and 0.37 μm. Use data from the graph in your answer. [3]
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q23(c)(ii) (2 marks): Why is the ozone layer important for humans on Earth? Use the graph to help explain your answer. [2]
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a) (2 marks): State one similarity and one difference between X‑rays and visible light. Similarity Difference [2]
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): What percentage of X‑rays is absorbed by 4 mm of metal? Percentage of X‑rays absorbed = % [1]
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage of X‑rays passing through 4 mm of metal. Use your answer to 16(b)(i) to help you. Percentage of X‑rays = % [2]
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q2 (1 mark): Which row in the table describes all electromagnetic waves? Type of wave Speed of wave in space A Longitudinal Changes with wavelength. B Longitudinal Stays the
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): Electromagnetic waves can be ordered by frequency. Which answer shows the waves in order of increasing frequency? Low frequency High frequency A Infra-red Visib
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): When an electron in an atom changes energy level, it emits electromagnetic radiation. Which row in the table is correct? Energy level of the electron Type of ra
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q12 (1 mark): The average temperature on the Earth has increased over the last century. Which statement explains why? A Radiation absorbed by the Earth has decreased. B Radia
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(e) (1 mark): A doctor uses an ultrasound scan instead of X-rays to measure the kidneys. Explain why. [1]
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): What type of wave is light? A A longitudinal electromagnetic wave B A longitudinal P wave C A transverse S wave D A transverse electromagnetic wave Your answer
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): Which statement is true for electromagnetic waves? A High frequency electromagnetic waves have a long wavelength. B High frequency electromagnetic waves have no
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8 (1 mark): Which row in the table is correct? Electromagnetic wave Use A Radio Killing bacteria B Microwaves Mobile phones C X-rays Optical fibres D Gamma rays Tanning bed
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q15 (1 mark): An electromagnetic wave transfers energy. Which row in the table is correct? Electromagnetic wave Energy transfer A Infra-red From a heating element of a toaste
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(a) (1 mark): Which spoon emits the most radiation? Tick (✓) one box. Spoon A Spoon B Explain your answer. [1]
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(b) (1 mark): Explain why both spoons look identical to the student, even though they are at different temperatures. [1]
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q2 (1 mark): An electromagnetic wave transfers energy. Which row in the table is correct? Electromagnetic wave Energy transfer A Infra-red From a heating element of a toaste
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): Which waves can damage cells and cause cancer? A Radio, X-rays and infra-red. B Sound, gamma-rays and microwaves. C Sound, visible light and ultraviolet. D Ultr
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): All bodies emit electromagnetic radiation. Body R is at a higher temperature than body S. Which statement is correct? A R emits radiation with a mean higher fre
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q20(a) (2 marks): This house is near to a transmission line. Explain why radio waves may be produced by the transmission line. [2]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): Some electromagnetic waves are used to scan a person in hospital. Which statement is true about a scan that uses electromagnetic waves? A Micro-waves are used t
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): Which row A, B, C or D, is true for electromagnetic waves? Transmission Type Movement in space Transmit energy from Travel through space A Longitudinal absorber
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(c)(i) (1 mark): Name a wave that has a longer wavelength than red light. [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(c)(ii) (1 mark): Name a wave that has a higher frequency than violet light. [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(c)(iii) (2 marks): State two uses of gamma-rays. 1. 2. [2]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(a)(i) (2 marks): Use data in the table to show that the speed of microwaves is 3 × 108 m/s. [2]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(a)(ii) (3 marks): Ultra-violet waves typically have a frequency of 3000 THz. Calculate the wavelength of these ultra-violet waves in nm. Answer = nm [3]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(b) (1 mark): Ultra-violet waves can damage human skin. Describe the damage caused to human skin by ultra-violet waves. [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(c)(i) (1 mark): A doctor says ‘adults should not sunbathe for more than 20 minutes in the midday sunshine when not using sun cream’. If an adult used sun cream with SPF 6, how
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(c)(ii) (2 marks): The doctor says that children should always use at least SPF 50 sun cream. Suggest reasons why. [2]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(d) (6 marks): Look at the table showing information about the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible Radio Micro-wave Infra-red Ultra-violet X-rays Gamma-rays light 3 MHz 30 GHz 3

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