Electromagnetic spectrum: past paper questions
Real questions on electromagnetic spectrum
The newest 9 of 9 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/21 · October/November 2023 · Q5a(i)[2]
State the names of all three regions in order of increasing frequency. smallest frequency intermediate frequency largest frequency
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2023 · Q5a(ii)[2]
Some of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun reaches the surface of the Earth. Give one possible damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body and the property of ultraviolet radiation that causes this damage. damaging effect property
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2023 · Q7a(i)[1]
State the name of two components of the electromagnetic spectrum that have a smaller wavelength than ultraviolet radiation.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q4a[1]
State the name of the spectrum of waves that includes X-rays.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q4b(ii)[1]
State the name of the waves in this spectrum that have the greatest frequency.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q4c(i)[3]
Explain how this is done. You may draw a diagram if you wish.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2022 · Q4c(ii)[1]
Explain why X-rays are not used for pre-natal scanning.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2020 · Q9b(ii)[2]
The wavelength of the X-rays used is 2.0 × 10 −9 m. The speed of electromagnetic waves is 3.0 × 10 8 m / s. Calculate the frequency of the X-rays. frequency =
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2020 · Q9b(iii)[1]
Suggest one reason why X-rays are not used to form an image of an unborn child.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates named the correct three regions of the electromagnetic spectrum which accounted for most of energy emitted by the Sun. Of these candidates, some were able to correctly list the three regions in order of increasing frequency.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q5(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates were able to name one damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body. However, few of these candidates were able to name the property of ultraviolet radiation that caused the damage. The fact that ultraviolet radiation is ionising was rarely seen.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q5(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
X-rays and gamma radiation were well known as the components of the electromagnetic spectrum required.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 5054/22 Q7(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.