Electromagnetic spectrum — Paper 1 · IGCSE Science - Combined 0653

31 Which form of energy do we receive directly from the Sun? A chemical B light C nuclear D sound

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2006

40 A Geiger counter detects radiation from radioactive sources. A radioactive source is inside a thick aluminium container as shown. radioactive source 2 m Geiger counter thick aluminium container Which type of radiation from this source is being detected? A alpha-particles B beta-particles C gamma-rays D radio waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2006

40 Which line in the table describes the nature of an alpha-particle and of a gamma-ray? alpha-particle gamma-ray A helium nucleus electromagnetic radiation B helium nucleus electron C proton electromagnetic radiation D proton electron

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2006

40 What are the most penetrating and the least penetrating types of radiation? most penetrating least penetrating A alpha-particles beta-particles B beta-particles alpha-particles C gamma-rays alpha-particles D gamma-rays beta-particles

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2007

40 A sheet of paper is placed between a radioactive source and a detector. radioactive detector source sheet of paper Which types of radiation can pass through the paper? A alpha-particles and beta-particles only B alpha-particles and gamma-rays only C beta-particles and gamma-rays only D alpha-particles, beta-particles and gamma-rays

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2007

35 Rays from the Sun pass through a prism and a spectrum is produced on a screen. screen narrow slit P rays from red the Sun violet A thermometer placed at P shows a large temperature rise. Which type of radiation causes this? A infra-red B microwave C ultra-violet D visible light

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2008

40 There are three types of emission from radioactive substances. Which types carry an electric charge? A alpha-particles and beta-particles only B alpha-particles and gamma-rays only C beta-particles and gamma-rays only D all three types

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2008

40 Which type of radiation can be stopped by a sheet of paper? A alpha-particles B beta-particles C gamma-rays D X-rays

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2008

40 The diagram shows a radioactive source, a thick aluminium sheet and a radiation detector. radioactive thick aluminium radiation detector source The radiation detector shows a reading greater than the background reading. Which type of radiation is being emitted by the source and detected by the detector? A alpha-radiation B beta-radiation C gamma-radiation D infra-red radiation

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2010

40 The diagram shows a radioactive source, a thick aluminium sheet and a radiation detector. radioactive thick aluminium radiation detector source The radiation detector shows a reading greater than the background reading. Which type of radiation is being emitted by the source and detected by the detector? A alpha-radiation B beta-radiation C gamma-radiation D infra-red radiation

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2010

40 The diagram shows a radioactive source, a thick aluminium sheet and a radiation detector. radioactive thick aluminium radiation detector source The radiation detector shows a reading greater than the background reading. Which type of radiation is being emitted by the source and detected by the detector? A alpha-radiation B beta-radiation C gamma-radiation D infra-red radiation

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2010

38 The Sun heats the Earth by electromagnetic radiation. Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is responsible for most of this heating? A microwave B infra-red C ultraviolet D X-ray

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2010

37 The Sun heats the Earth by electromagnetic radiation. Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is responsible for most of this heating? A microwave B infra-red C ultraviolet D X-ray

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2010

40 Which row in the table describes alpha-particles? penetrates 1 cm electric charge of aluminium? A negative yes B negative no C positive yes D positive no

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2010

38 The Sun heats the Earth by electromagnetic radiation. Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is responsible for most of this heating? A microwave B infra-red C ultraviolet D X-ray

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2010

33 A man warms himself by a fire. Which method of heat transfer supplies the most heat energy to him? A conduction through the air B convection by moving air C evaporation by moving water vapour D infra-red radiation

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2011

39 A student copies a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum but makes a mistake. radio micro- infra-red visible ultraviolet gamma X-rays waves waves waves light waves rays large wavelength small wavelength Which two names should be interchanged so that the order is correct? A infra-red waves and ultraviolet waves B radio waves and infra-red waves C radio waves and visible light D X-rays and ultraviolet waves

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2011

40 Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect, and which is the most penetrating? greatest ionising most penetrating effect A alpha-particles alpha-particles B alpha-particles gamma-rays C gamma-rays alpha-particles D gamma-rays gamma-rays

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2011

39 Which type of radiation has the greatest ionising effect, and which is the most penetrating? greatest ionising most penetrating effect A alpha-particles alpha-particles B alpha-particles gamma-rays C gamma-rays alpha-particles D gamma-rays gamma-rays

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2011

40 A student copies a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum but makes a mistake. radio micro- infra-red visible ultraviolet gamma X-rays waves waves waves light waves rays large wavelength small wavelength Which two names should be interchanged so that the order is correct? A infra-red waves and ultraviolet waves B radio waves and infra-red waves C radio waves and visible light D X-rays and ultraviolet waves

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2011

39 The diagram shows the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Which labelled region represents gamma rays? micro visible A B C X-rays D waves light increasing frequency

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2011

38 The diagram shows the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Which labelled region represents gamma rays? micro visible A B C X-rays D waves light increasing frequency

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2011

37 The diagram shows the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Which labelled region represents gamma rays? micro visible A B C X-rays D waves light increasing frequency

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2011

36 Which statement about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct? A Gamma rays have the highest frequency. B Microwaves have the smallest wavelength. C Ultraviolet waves have the largest wavelength. D Visible light waves have the lowest frequency.

1 marks

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2012

36 Which statement about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct? A Gamma rays have the highest frequency. B Microwaves have the smallest wavelength. C Ultraviolet waves have the largest wavelength. D Visible light waves have the lowest frequency.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2012

36 Which statement about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct? A Gamma rays have the highest frequency. B Microwaves have the smallest wavelength. C Ultraviolet waves have the largest wavelength. D Visible light waves have the lowest frequency.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2012

36 The diagram shows part of the electromagnetic spectrum. gamma rays P ultra violet waves Q infrared waves Which line in the table shows the missing types of radiation at P and at Q? at P at Q A microwaves radio waves B microwaves visible light C X-rays radio waves D X-rays visible light

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2013

34 Electromagnetic waves have many different applications. Which row identifies the type of electromagnetic wave used in each application? terrestrial television television remote satellite television (not satellite) controllers A microwaves radio waves infrared waves B microwaves radio waves microwaves C radio waves infrared waves infrared waves D radio waves infrared waves microwaves

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2013

36 Which electromagnetic waves are found immediately either side of the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum? A infrared and ultra-violet B microwaves and infrared C microwaves and X-rays D ultra-violet and X-rays

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2013

36 Which electromagnetic waves are found immediately either side of the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum? A infrared and ultra-violet B microwaves and infrared C microwaves and X-rays D ultra-violet and X-rays

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2013

36 Which two colours of the visible spectrum of light have the greatest difference in their wavelengths? A blue and red B red and green C orange and red D yellow and blue

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2013

36 The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum. radio infra-red visible ultraviolet microwaves X-rays gamma rays waves waves light waves Which statement about electromagnetic waves is correct? A Microwaves are used in television remote controllers. B Microwaves have larger wavelengths than visible light. C Radio waves are used to send television signals from satellites to Earth. D Radio waves have higher frequencies than X-rays.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2014

36 Which row shows the type of wave that is used for a mobile (cell) telephone and the type that is used to send television signals from a satellite to Earth? mobile telephone satellite television A microwaves microwaves B microwaves radio waves C radio waves microwaves D radio waves radio waves

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2014

35 The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum. radio infra-red visible ultraviolet microwaves X-rays gamma rays waves waves light waves Which statement about electromagnetic waves is correct? A Microwaves are used in television remote controllers. B Microwaves have larger wavelengths than visible light. C Radio waves are used to send television signals from satellites to Earth. D Radio waves have higher frequencies than X-rays.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2014

36 Which electromagnetic waves have the smallest wavelength and which electromagnetic waves have the highest frequency? shortest highest wavelength frequency A radio waves gamma rays B microwaves microwaves C gamma rays gamma rays D microwaves radio waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2014

37 Which electromagnetic waves have the smallest wavelength and which electromagnetic waves have the highest frequency? shortest highest wavelength frequency A radio waves gamma rays B microwaves microwaves C gamma rays gamma rays D microwaves radio waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2014

36 Electromagnetic waves are used to scan passengers’ luggage before they board an aeroplane. Electromagnetic waves are also used in a television remote controller. Which type of electromagnetic wave is used for each of these purposes? scanning television luggage remote controller A radio waves infra-red waves B radio waves ultraviolet waves C X-rays infra-red waves D X-rays ultraviolet waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2014

36 A filament lamp is used in a zoo to keep young animals warm. reflector What are the main types of wave given out by the lamp? A visible light and infra-red B visible light and microwaves C visible light and radio waves D visible light and X-rays

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2015

36 A filament lamp is used in a zoo to keep young animals warm. reflector What are the main types of wave given out by the lamp? A visible light and infra-red B visible light and microwaves C visible light and radio waves D visible light and X-rays

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2015

36 A filament lamp is used in a zoo to keep young animals warm. reflector What are the main types of wave given out by the lamp? A visible light and infra-red B visible light and microwaves C visible light and radio waves D visible light and X-rays

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2015

36 The diagram represents the electromagnetic spectrum. Sections P and Q are not named. gamma ultraviolet visible infra-red radio P Q rays waves light waves waves Which type of wave does P represent, and which type of wave does Q represent? P Q A microwaves sound waves B microwaves X-rays C sound waves microwaves D X-rays microwaves

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2015

36 Which type of wave is used by television remote controllers? A infra-red B microwaves C radio D ultraviolet

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2016

36 A worker in a hospital operates an X-ray machine. Which is not a useful precaution to help protect her from the X-rays while the machine is operating? A keeping a large distance away from the machine B limiting for how long she operates the machine C placing lead blocks between her and the machine D using safety glasses when operating the machine

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2016

36 The diagram shows part of the electromagnetic spectrum. X-rays P visible light Q microwaves Which row shows the missing types of radiation at P and at Q? at P at Q A infra-red radio waves B infra-red ultraviolet C ultraviolet infra-red D ultraviolet radio waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2016

36 Which statement about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct? A Gamma rays have the highest frequency. B Microwaves have the smallest wavelength. C Ultraviolet waves have the largest wavelength. D Visible light has the lowest frequency.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2016

36 Which statement about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct? A Gamma rays have the highest frequency. B Microwaves have the smallest wavelength. C Ultraviolet waves have the largest wavelength. D Visible light has the lowest frequency.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2016

36 Which statement about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct? A Gamma rays have the highest frequency. B Microwaves have the smallest wavelength. C Ultraviolet waves have the largest wavelength. D Visible light has the lowest frequency.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2016

36 Which of these uses electromagnetic waves with the highest frequency? A airport security scanners B radio communication C satellite television D television remote controllers

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2017

36 Which electromagnetic wave is used by a remote controller for a television? A infra-red B microwaves C radio D ultraviolet

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2017

36 Which type of electromagnetic wave is used in airport security scanners? A gamma-rays B microwaves C radio waves D X-rays

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2017

36 Which type of electromagnetic wave is used in airport security scanners? A gamma-rays B microwaves C radio waves D X-rays

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2017

37 Electromagnetic waves are used to scan passengers’ luggage before they board an aeroplane. Electromagnetic waves are also used in a television remote controller. Which type of electromagnetic wave is used for each of these purposes? scanning television luggage remote controller A radio waves infra-red waves B radio waves ultraviolet waves C X-rays infra-red waves D X-rays ultraviolet waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2017

36 Electromagnetic waves are used to scan passengers’ luggage before they board an aeroplane. Electromagnetic waves are also used in a television remote controller. Which type of electromagnetic wave is used for each of these purposes? scanning television luggage remote controller A radio waves infra-red waves B radio waves ultraviolet waves C X-rays infra-red waves D X-rays ultraviolet waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2017

36 Electromagnetic waves are used to scan passengers’ luggage before they board an aeroplane. Electromagnetic waves are also used in a television remote controller. Which type of electromagnetic wave is used for each of these purposes? scanning television luggage remote controller A radio waves infra-red waves B radio waves ultraviolet waves C X-rays infra-red waves D X-rays ultraviolet waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2017

34 A student makes two statements about infra-red radiation. 1 It is electromagnetic radiation. 2 It transfers thermal energy through a vacuum. Which of these statements are correct? A 1 only B 1 and 2 C 2 only D neither 1 nor 2

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2018

36 Which waves are not electromagnetic waves? A gamma B infra-red C light D sound

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2018

36 Infra-red waves, microwaves, ultraviolet waves and visible light are all electromagnetic waves. Which of these has the smallest wavelength? A infra-red B microwaves C ultraviolet D visible light

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2018

36 Infra-red waves, microwaves, ultraviolet waves and visible light are all electromagnetic waves. Which of these has the smallest wavelength? A infra-red B microwaves C ultraviolet D visible light

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2018

36 Which list shows electromagnetic waves in order of decreasing wavelength (largest to smallest)? A gamma rays → radio waves → infra-red → microwaves B microwaves → visible light → X-rays → infra-red C radio waves → visible light → ultraviolet → X-rays D X-rays → infra-red → microwaves → visible light

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2018

35 A student is watching television. He uses a remote controller to change the programme. The remote controller uses electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are also used to transmit the television signals from a satellite. Which row shows the type of wave used for each purpose? remote controller satellite A infra-red microwaves B infra-red radio waves C ultraviolet microwaves D ultraviolet radio waves

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2018

36 A hidden security system transmits electromagnetic waves into an area where people work. The waves that can be used must have a frequency less than the frequency of visible light. Which of the electromagnetic waves that can be used has the highest frequency? A gamma B infra-red C radio D ultraviolet

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2018

34 Which is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum? A gamma radiation B microwaves C radio waves D sound waves

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2019

28 Which labelled part of the electromagnetic spectrum is often involved in thermal energy transfer by radiation? radio gamma A B C D waves rays visible light

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2019

36 Which electromagnetic radiation has the lowest frequency? A gamma B infrared C radio D ultraviolet

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2019

36 Gamma rays and microwaves are both regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. How do the speed and frequency of gamma rays in a vacuum compare with the speed and frequency of microwaves in a vacuum? speed of gamma rays frequency of gamma rays A greater than for microwaves greater than for microwaves B greater than for microwaves smaller than for microwaves C the same as for microwaves greater than for microwaves D the same as for microwaves smaller than for microwaves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2019

36 Gamma rays and microwaves are both regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. How do the speed and frequency of gamma rays in a vacuum compare with the speed and frequency of microwaves in a vacuum? speed of gamma rays frequency of gamma rays A greater than for microwaves greater than for microwaves B greater than for microwaves smaller than for microwaves C the same as for microwaves greater than for microwaves D the same as for microwaves smaller than for microwaves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2019

35 Radio waves, visible light and X-rays all travel in a vacuum. Which wave travels at the greatest speed? A radio waves B visible light C X-rays D they all travel at the same speed

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2020

33 What is a property of infra-red radiation? A It can only travel in a gas. B It can only travel in a metal. C It can only travel in liquids and gases. D It can travel through a vacuum.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2021

35 Radio waves and gamma rays are travelling in a vacuum. How do the frequency and speed of the radio waves compare with the frequency and speed of the gamma rays? frequency speed of radio waves of radio waves A higher than gamma greater than gamma B higher than gamma same as gamma C lower than gamma greater than gamma D lower than gamma same as gamma

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2021

35 What is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum? A gamma-radiation B microwaves C sound waves D X-rays

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2022

35 Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is used in remote controllers to control a television? A microwaves B infrared C ultraviolet D visible light

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/11 May/June 2022

36 X-rays and radio waves are electromagnetic waves. Which statement is correct? A X-rays have greater frequencies than radio waves and travel at the same speed in a vacuum. B X-rays have greater frequencies than radio waves and travel faster in a vacuum. C X-rays have smaller frequencies than radio waves and travel at the same speed in a vacuum. D X-rays have smaller frequencies than radio waves and travel faster in a vacuum.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2023

34 What is a use of microwaves? A checking for broken bones B satellite television C tanning lamps D television remote controllers

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2023

34 What is a use of microwaves? A checking for broken bones B satellite television C tanning lamps D television remote controllers

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2023

31 How is energy transferred from the Sun to the Earth through the vacuum of space? A by electromagnetic waves B by movement of electrons C by movement of molecules D by sound waves

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2024

33 Energy is transferred from a hot object by thermal radiation. Which row shows the name of this radiation and whether the radiation is electromagnetic? name of radiation electromagnetic A gamma yes B gamma no C infrared yes D infrared no

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Feb/March 2025

34 Which electromagnetic radiation has the lowest frequency? A gamma B infrared C radio D ultraviolet

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 May/June 2025

33 What is the main region of the electromagnetic spectrum involved in thermal energy transfer from the Sun to the Earth? A gamma B infrared C microwave D X-ray

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/13 May/June 2025

36 Which row shows the region of the electromagnetic spectrum with the smallest wavelength and the region with the greatest frequency? smallest greatest wavelength frequency A radio waves gamma rays B microwaves microwaves C gamma rays gamma rays D microwaves radio waves

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/11 Oct/Nov 2025

36 Infrared, microwaves, ultraviolet and visible light are all regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which region has waves with the smallest wavelength? A infrared B microwaves C ultraviolet D visible light

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/12 Oct/Nov 2025

36 Infrared, microwaves, ultraviolet and visible light are all regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which region has waves with the smallest wavelength? A infrared B microwaves C ultraviolet D visible light

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/13 Oct/Nov 2025