What this topic covers
Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum has 1 subtopic:
- Light rays, lenses and electromagnetic waves
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GCSE Edexcel Foundation Combined Science Physics · Topic 5 of 13
Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum – GCSE Edexcel Foundation Combined Science Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Light, lenses, the electromagnetic spectrum and thermal radiation. 8 lessons in 1 subtopic.
Revise Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum for GCSE Edexcel Foundation Combined Science Physics. 8 lessons across 1 subtopic.
8
Lessons
1
Subtopics
Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum lessons by subtopic
8 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Light rays, lenses and electromagnetic waves
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Hazards of UV, X-rays, and Gamma Rays
- Radio Waves, Microwaves and Infrared
- Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X-Rays, and Gamma Rays
- Visible Light: Absorption, Reflection, and Transmission
- Colour Filters & Wavelengths
- How atoms and nuclei generate or absorb radiation
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE Edexcel Foundation Combined Science Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum?
Light, lenses, the electromagnetic spectrum and thermal radiation. 8 lessons in 1 subtopic.
What is the wavelength range of visible light?
Visible light ranges from red, with a wavelength of about 700 nanometres, to violet, with a wavelength of about 400 nanometres. The The Electromagnetic Spectrum notes cover this in full.
What are the wavelengths of visible light?
Visible light has wavelengths from approximately 400nm (violet) to 700nm (red). The Colour Filters & Wavelengths notes cover this in full.
What are electromagnetic waves?
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy without transferring matter, consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. The Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves notes cover this in full.
What is infrared radiation used for?
Infrared radiation is used in electrical heaters, for cooking food in grills and toasters, and in infrared cameras for thermal imaging. The Radio Waves, Microwaves and Infrared notes cover this in full.
What is the wavelength of radio waves?
Radio waves have wavelengths from about 1 metre to several kilometres, the longest of these three wave types, and frequencies from about 300 MHz down to 3 kHz. The Radio Waves, Microwaves and Infrared notes cover this in full.
What is the wavelength of infrared?
Infrared radiation has wavelengths from about 1 millimetre down to 700 nanometres, and frequencies from about 300 GHz to 430 THz. The Radio Waves, Microwaves and Infrared notes cover this in full.
What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum?
From longest wavelength and lowest frequency to shortest wavelength and highest frequency, the electromagnetic spectrum is: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. The The Electromagnetic Spectrum notes cover this in full.
Why are leaves green?
Leaves look green because chlorophyll absorbs red and blue wavelengths strongly, using them for photosynthesis, while reflecting green wavelengths. The Visible Light: Absorption, Reflection, and Transmission notes cover this in full.