# Infrared radiation and visible light are both parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Compare the properties of infrared radiation and visible light, and explain how infrared radiation is used in everyday applications.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 6.2 Particle physics and the standard model (A-Level only) · Compare · 5 marks

> All objects emit and absorb infrared radiation. The hotter an object is, the greater the infrared radiation it emits in a given time.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Both infrared radiation and visible light are transverse waves / both are electromagnetic waves
2. Both travel at the same speed in a vacuum (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
3. Infrared has a lower frequency / longer wavelength than visible light
4. Visible light can be detected by the human eye but infrared cannot
5. Infrared radiation is used for cooking food / thermal imaging / short-range communications

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Compare" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/infrared-radiation-and-visible-light-are-570d9760) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.