# A student says: 'Laser light and the light from a torch are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, so they must behave in the same way.' Evaluate this statement, referring to the properties of laser light.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 2.8 Lasers · Evaluate · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The student is correct that both are forms of electromagnetic radiation / both are light
2. Laser light is monochromatic — it consists of a single wavelength / frequency (whereas torch light contains many wavelengths)
3. Laser light is coherent — the waves are in phase with each other (whereas torch light is incoherent)
4. Laser light is highly collimated — it forms a narrow, parallel beam that does not spread out (whereas torch light spreads out in all directions)
5. The statement is therefore incorrect / partially correct because the properties of laser light are distinctly different from torch light, so they do not behave in the same way

## Key terms

- [electromagnetic radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-radiation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" 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-student-says-laser-light-and-797508fd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.