AQA GCSE Combined Science: Physics: Waves, Electromagnetism and Magnetism
6 exam-style questions with full mark schemes and model answers. Write your own answer and the AI examiner marks it against the mark scheme.
The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is a continuous range of waves, from radio waves at one end to gamma rays at the other. Different parts of the spectrum have different uses, and some parts are hazardous to people.
Describe how the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum differ across the spectrum, and give examples of a use and of a danger for different parts of the spectrum. (6 marks)
A student measured the wavelength and frequency of water waves in a ripple tank for several different waves. The results are shown below.
| Wave | Frequency / Hz | Wavelength / m |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 0.05 |
| B | 8.0 | 0.025 |
| C | 10.0 | 0.020 |
(a) Calculate the wave speed for wave A. Use v=fλ. Show your working and give the unit. (2 marks)
(b) Without a full calculation, state what your results show about the wave speed of waves B and C compared with wave A in this ripple tank, and briefly justify your answer. (2 marks)
A sound wave has a frequency of 170 Hz. Sound travels through air at a speed of 340 m/s.
(a) Calculate the wavelength of this sound wave. Use v=fλ. Show your working and give the unit. (2 marks)
(b) State whether a sound wave is transverse or longitudinal. (1 mark)
This question is for Higher tier.
A straight wire carrying a current is placed at right angles to a uniform magnetic field, producing a force on the wire (the motor effect). The magnetic flux density is 0.40 T, the current in the wire is 3.0 A, and the length of wire in the field is 0.25 m.
(a) Calculate the force on the wire. Use F=BIl. Show your working and give the unit. (2 marks)
(b) State one change that would increase the size of this force. (1 mark)
Magnets can be classified as permanent magnets or induced magnets.
Explain the difference between a permanent magnet and an induced magnet, and state whether the force between a permanent magnet and an induced magnet is attractive, repulsive, or could be either. (2 marks)
All the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum are transverse waves and travel at the same speed through a vacuum.
Name the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that has the longest wavelength. (1 mark)