Sample exam questions - light & the electromagnetic spectrum - EdexcelThree and four mark questions
Understanding how to approach exam questions helps to boost exam performance. Questions will include multiple choice, structured, using mathematical skills and extended writing.
These are similar to one and two mark questions but you will be expected to write in more depth for three and four mark questions.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
All objects emit electromagnetic radiation. The intensity and wavelength of the emitted radiation vary with the temperature of the object.
The figure below shows this variation for a filament lamp at two different temperatures. The visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum is also shown:
Describe how intensity of the emitted radiation changes with temperature. [3 marks]
An Edexcel question courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
As the temperature increases [1], the intensity increases at all wavelengths [1]. As the temperature increases, the maximum intensity occurs at a shorter wavelength [1].
Look carefully at the data given in the graph. Comment on the differences you see between the graphs at the different temperatures.
Sample question 2 - Higher
Question
Gamma rays can cause cancer.
Gamma rays can also be used to treat cancer.
Explain how gamma rays can do both. [3 marks]
This question has been written by a Bitesize consultant as a suggestion to the type of questions that may appear in an exam paper.