AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Electromagnetic waves have many practical applications. For example:
Full specification wording
Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves: Electromagnetic waves have many practical applications. For example:
Each region of the electromagnetic spectrum has properties making it useful for particular jobs.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 8
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Each region of the electromagnetic spectrum has properties making it useful for particular jobs. Radio waves are used for television and radio. Microwaves are used for satellite communications and cooking food. Infrared is used in electrical heaters, cooking food and infrared cameras. Visible light is used in fibre optic communications. Ultraviolet is used in energy efficient lamps and sun tanning. X-rays and gamma rays are used for medical imaging and treatments. This depends on how it interacts with matter.
For example: Microwaves pass through the atmosphere for satellite links, while visible light undergoes total internal reflection in optical fibres.
What earns the marks
- Radio waves are used for television and radio communications.
- Microwaves are used for satellite communications and for cooking food.
- Infrared is used in electrical heaters, cooking food and infrared cameras.
- Visible light is used in fibre optic communications.
- Ultraviolet is used in energy efficient lamps and for sun tanning.
- X-rays and gamma rays are used for medical imaging and treatments.
- (HT only) The suitability of a wave depends on its properties, such as whether it is reflected, absorbed, transmitted or ionising.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing infrared with microwaves in cooking.
Put it right: Infrared is used in grills and toasters, while microwaves are used in microwave ovens.
Omitting the specific uses of ultraviolet.
Put it right: Ultraviolet is used in energy efficient lamps and sun tanning, not just for sterilisation.
Claiming X-rays are used because they are safe.
Put it right: X-rays are ionising, so their use in medical imaging and treatments is justified by balancing the benefit against the risk.
Exam tips
- Match each application to the correct wave, such as satellite communications for microwaves and fibre optic communications for visible light.
- Ensure you use the exact examples from the specification, such as energy efficient lamps for ultraviolet.
- (HT only) Be prepared to explain why a specific wave is chosen for an application based on its properties.
Try the lesson
The start of the Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves: Electromagnetic waves have many practical applications. For example: lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which type of electromagnetic wave is used in television remote controls to send signals to a television?
Listen
Each region of the electromagnetic spectrum has properties making it useful for particular jobs. Radio waves are used for television and radio. Microwaves are used for satellite communications and cooking food. Infrared is used in electrical heaters, cooking food and infrared cameras. Visible light is used in fibre optic communications. Ultraviolet is used in energy efficient lamps and sun tanning. X-rays and gamma rays are used for medical imaging and treatments. This depends on how it interacts with matter. For example, microwaves pass through the atmosphere for satellite links, while visible light undergoes total internal reflection in optical fibres. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Radio waves are used for television and radio communications. Microwaves are used for satellite communications and for cooking food. Infrared is used in electrical heaters, cooking food and infrared cameras. Visible light is used in fibre optic communications. A common slip: Confusing infrared with microwaves in cooking. Instead, infrared is used in grills and toasters, while microwaves are used in microwave ovens. Exam tip: Match each application to the correct wave, such as satellite communications for microwaves and fibre optic communications for visible light.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Communication technologies
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Medical imaging and treatment
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Energy transfer and absorption
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Wave properties and interactions with matter
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See every definition
- Communication technologies
- Radio waves are used for television and radio, microwaves for satellite communications and visible light for fibre optic communications.
- Medical imaging and treatment
- X-rays and gamma rays are used for medical imaging and treatments.
- Energy transfer and absorption
- The suitability of a wave depends on its properties, such as whether it is reflected, absorbed, transmitted or ionising.
- Wave properties and interactions with matter
- How a wave interacts with matter explains why it is suitable for its application, for example microwaves pass through the atmosphere for satellite links.
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