# A scientist uses three different types of electromagnetic radiation in a single day: microwaves to heat food, visible light to read a document, and X-rays to image a broken bone. Place these three types of radiation in order of increasing frequency, then explain how the frequency of X-rays compares to that of visible light.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 6.1 Frequency range of the spectrum · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Correct order: microwaves, then visible light, then X-rays (increasing frequency)
2. X-rays have a higher frequency than visible light
3. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed (in a vacuum / in air), so a higher frequency means a shorter wavelength for X-rays compared to visible light
4. X-rays carry more energy per photon than visible light because energy increases with frequency

## Key terms

- [frequency](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/frequency)
- [X-rays](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/x-rays)
- [visible light](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/visible-light)
- [microwaves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/microwaves)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-scientist-uses-three-different-types-77949e6b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.