# Electromagnetic waves are used in many different applications because of their different properties. Describe the properties and uses of infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves, and explain why each type is suited to its application.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 6.2 Particle physics and the standard model (A-Level only) · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Infrared radiation is emitted and absorbed by all objects / used for cooking, thermal imaging, or short-range communications
2. Infrared can cause skin burns (hazard correctly identified)
3. Microwaves are used for satellite communications and/or cooking food
4. Microwaves can cause internal heating of body cells (hazard correctly identified)
5. Radio waves are used for television and/or radio signals, and can be produced by oscillations in electrical circuits or can induce these oscillations themselves

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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/electromagnetic-waves-are-used-in-many-620de67f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.