The electromagnetic spectrum consists of several types of waves arranged in order of frequency. Describe how the properties of electromagnetic waves change across the spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Eduqas GCSE Physics — 6.1 Frequency range of the spectrum · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Frequency increases from radio waves to gamma rays.
Wavelength decreases from radio waves to gamma rays.
All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
Higher frequency waves carry more energy – gamma rays have the most energy, radio waves the least.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms ‘frequency’, ‘wavelength’, ‘speed’, ‘energy’. Show the order of the spectrum (radio → … → gamma).
  • Mention that speed is constant in vacuum (≈3×10^8 m s⁻¹).

Common mistakes

  • Confusing frequency with wavelength. Saying speed varies across the spectrum. Forgetting to state that energy increases with frequency.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Frequency increases from radio waves to gamma rays
  2. Wavelength decreases from radio waves to gamma rays
  3. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed (in a vacuum / in free space)
  4. Higher frequency waves carry more energy (gamma rays carry the most energy, radio waves carry the least)

Key terms in this question

electromagnetic spectrum · frequency · gamma rays · radio waves

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