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This topic is examined in Edexcel 1PH0/1 (Paper 1). Edexcel questions on the EM spectrum often present context scenarios — mobile phone safety, medical imaging, security scanning — and ask students to justify choice of wave type using properties and hazards.
The EM spectrum is one of the most frequently tested topics. You must know:
- The order of the spectrum (radio to gamma)
- Uses and hazards for each wave type with reasons
- Properties shared by all EM waves (transverse, c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s, travel through vacuum)
- Ionising vs non-ionising — UV, X-rays, gamma are ionising
Common exam trap: "Explain why gamma rays are more harmful than radio waves." The answer must reference ionisation and DNA damage — just saying "more energy" is not enough for full marks.
This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Electromagnetic Spectrum for GCSE Physics. Revise Electromagnetic Spectrum in Waves for GCSE Physics with 17 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 11 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Electromagnetic Spectrum
What is the speed of all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
Explain the potential dangers of ultraviolet radiation to humans.