# Electromagnetic waves can be grouped into different types, each with different uses and hazards. State two uses and two hazards of electromagnetic waves from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. For each hazard, name the type of electromagnetic wave that causes it.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 3.2 The electromagnetic spectrum · State · 4 marks

> The electromagnetic spectrum is a group of transverse waves that cover a large range of frequencies and wavelengths. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum (3 × 10⁸ m/s). Different parts of the spectrum have different uses in everyday life but some can also be harmful to the human body.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. One correct use of a named type of electromagnetic wave (e.g. radio waves used for radio/television communications; microwaves used for satellite transmissions or cooking; infrared used in heaters or night vision equipment; visible light used in fibre optics or photography; ultraviolet used in fluorescent lamps; X-rays used in medical imaging or security; gamma rays used in sterilising food or medical equipment)
2. A second correct use of a different named type of electromagnetic wave from the first
3. One correct hazard paired with the correct named type of electromagnetic wave (e.g. microwaves — internal heating of body tissues/cells; infrared — skin burns; ultraviolet — skin cancer or blindness/eye damage; X-rays or gamma rays — ionising radiation causing mutations/cancer)
4. A second correct hazard paired with the correct named type of electromagnetic wave, different from the first hazard answer

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "State" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/electromagnetic-waves-can-be-grouped-into-1fedaf7d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.