WavesKey Facts

EM Wave Uses and Hazards

Part of Electromagnetic SpectrumGCSE Physics

This key facts covers EM Wave Uses and Hazards within Electromagnetic Spectrum for GCSE Physics. Revise Electromagnetic Spectrum in Waves for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 4 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 4 of 13

Practice

15 questions

Recall

15 flashcards

📻 EM Wave Uses and Hazards

Wave TypeUsesHazards
RadioTV, radio, communicationsNone significant
MicrowaveCooking, mobile phones, satelliteInternal heating of body tissue
InfraredHeating, thermal cameras, remotesSkin burns
VisibleSeeing, photography, fibre opticsEye damage (bright light)
UltravioletSterilisation, fluorescence, tanningSunburn, skin cancer, eye damage
X-raysMedical imaging, airport securityCell damage, cancer
GammaCancer treatment, sterilisationCell damage, cancer, death

Pattern: Higher frequency = higher energy = more dangerous!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Electromagnetic Spectrum. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Electromagnetic Spectrum

What is the speed of all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?

  • A. 3 x 10^8 m/s
  • B. 3 x 10^6 m/s
  • C. 3 x 10^10 m/s
  • D. 340 m/s
1 markfoundation

Explain the potential dangers of ultraviolet radiation to humans.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Are all EM waves transverse?
Yes, all EM waves are transverse
Speed of EM waves in vacuum?
3 × 10⁸ m/s (speed of light)

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