# Describe the properties that all electromagnetic waves share, and explain why radio waves are considered less hazardous to human health than X-rays.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 5.1 Light and the electromagnetic spectrum · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves
2. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
3. X-rays have a higher frequency than radio waves
4. Higher frequency waves carry more energy, so X-rays can cause cell damage or mutations whereas radio waves do not carry enough energy to do this

## Key terms

- [electromagnetic waves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-waves)
- [X-rays](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/x-rays)
- [radio waves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/radio-waves)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and 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/describe-the-properties-that-all-electromagnetic-c2f9d0d9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.