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 Higher Combined Science Physics · Topic 5 of 13
Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum – GCSE Edexcel Higher Combined Science Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Light, lenses, the electromagnetic spectrum and thermal radiation. 11 lessons in 1 subtopic.
Revise Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum for GCSE Edexcel Higher Combined Science Physics. 11 lessons across 1 subtopic.
11
Lessons
1
Subtopics
Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum lessons by subtopic
11 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Light rays, lenses and electromagnetic waves
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- EM Wave Interactions with Matter
- Refraction and Wave Velocity
- Producing and Absorbing Radio Waves and Gamma Rays
- 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
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Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum?
Light, lenses, the electromagnetic spectrum and thermal radiation. 11 lessons in 1 subtopic.
What is refraction of electromagnetic waves?
Refraction is the bending of electromagnetic waves when they pass from one medium to another, due to a change in wave speed. The EM Wave Interactions with Matter notes cover this in full.
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 gamma rays used for?
Gamma rays are used in medical gamma cameras to image internal organs, using isotopes such as technetium-99m, and in industry to sterilise medical equipment and food products. The Producing and Absorbing Radio Waves and Gamma Rays 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.
How fast does sound travel in water?
Sound travels at about 1500 m/s in water, much faster than 340 m/s in air. The Refraction and Wave Velocity 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.