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Electromagnetic spectrum past paper questions

O Level Physics 5054 · Electromagnetic spectrum. 1 Know the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency and in order of wavelength 2 Know that the speed of all electromagnetic waves in: (a) a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 m / s (b) air is approximately the same as in a vacuum 3 Describe the role of the following components in the stated applications: (a) radio waves – radio and television communications, astronomy (b) microwaves – satellite television, mobile (cell) phone, Bluetooth, microwave ovens (c) infrared – household electrical appliances, remote controllers, intruder alarms, thermal imaging, optical fibres (d) visible light – photography, vision (e) ultraviolet – security marking, detecting counterfeit bank notes, sterilising water (f) X-rays – hospital use in medical imaging, security scanners, killing cancerous cells, engineering applications such as detecting cracks in metal (g) gamma rays – medical treatment in

In Cambridge O Level Physics 5054, Electromagnetic spectrum came up in 23 of the 72 papers on Paperstreak, for about 2 marks a paper when it does. It last came up in October/November 2025.

Often set with Refraction of light, General properties of waves, Dispersion of light.

25 questions, newest first

1. 5054/22/O/N/25 Question 5 · 8 marks
2. 5054/11/O/N/24 Question 27 · 1 mark
3. 5054/12/O/N/24 Question 23 · 1 mark
4. 5054/21/O/N/24 Question 4 part (d) · 1 mark
5. 5054/11/M/J/24 Question 27 · 1 mark
6. 5054/12/M/J/24 Question 22 · 1 mark
7. 5054/22/M/J/24 Question 4 part (b(i)) · 1 mark
8. 5054/12/O/N/23 Question 30 · 1 mark
9. 5054/21/O/N/23 Question 4 part (a) · 3 marks
10. 5054/21/O/N/23 Question 5 part (a(ii)) · 2 marks
11. 5054/22/O/N/23 Question 10 part (b) · 2 marks
12. 5054/11/M/J/23 Question 23 · 1 mark
13. 5054/22/M/J/23 Question 7 parts (a(i)) (a(ii)) (a(iii)) · 3 marks
14. 5054/12/O/N/22 Question 26 · 1 mark
15. 5054/21/O/N/22 Question 4 parts (a) (b(ii)) (c(i)) (c(ii)) · 6 marks
16. 5054/11/M/J/22 Question 23 · 1 mark
17. 5054/22/M/J/22 Question 4 part (d) · 1 mark
18. 5054/22/M/J/22 Question 8 parts (d(i)) (d(ii)) · 4 marks
19. 5054/11/O/N/21 Question 24 · 1 mark
20. 5054/12/O/N/21 Question 27 · 1 mark
21. 5054/21/O/N/21 Question 3 parts (b(ii)) (b(iii)) · 3 marks
22. 5054/12/M/J/21 Question 27 · 1 mark
23. 5054/12/O/N/20 Question 25 · 1 mark
24. 5054/21/M/J/20 Question 9 parts (b(i)) (b(ii)) (b(iii)) · 6 marks
25. 5054/22/M/J/20 Question 5 parts (a) (b(i)) · 3 marks

Questions and mark schemes from Cambridge International past papers. Paperstreak isn't affiliated with Cambridge.