GCSE Physics – P1.5.1 (Part 2) – The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Learning Objectives
Objectives:(you are required to know):
c)
Electromagnetic
wavesanare transverse, sound
Distinguish
between vector
waves
are
longitudinal
and mechanical waves
quantities, and give examples
may be either transverse or longitudinal.
d) All types of electromagnetic waves travel at the
same speed through a vacuum (space).
e) Electromagnetic waves form a continuous
spectrum.
Comment:
k) Radio waves, microwaves, infrared and visible
light can be used for communication.
Name: .......................................................
The aim of this ICT-based assignment is to research the electromagnetic spectrum.
In small groups you will create two documents over the course of two lessons in the computer rooms. The first is a
PowerPoint presentation which you will present back to the rest of the class. The second thing you need to create is
a hand-out to give to the rest of the class, which summarises the points made in your presentation so that we have
something to keep in our notes.
You will be working in groups of two on this assignment. Each group will be allocated one section of the
electromagnetic spectrum to research. Make a note of which section you have been allocated.
You will be assessed on the amount of points you include from the following lists below. The first box contains things
that all groups need to do. There are then radiation specific lists which correspond to the type of radiation that you
have been assigned. Then grading criteria is below:
Does Not Meet Learning Objectives:
10 or less points fully completed
Partially Meets Learning Objectives:
11 points completed
Meets Learning Objectives:
14 points completed
Exceeds Learning Objectives:
16 points or greater fully completed
The following box indicates the things that you all need to include in your presentation and hand-out.
1 -A diagram to explain what the electromagnetic spectrum is, with your radiation type identified.
2 -State typical values for wavelength and frequency for your radiation type.
3 -Describe what sorts of materials or devices emit your radiation type.
4 -State whether electromagnetic waves are transverse or longitudinal, and revise the meanings of these terms.
5 -State the speed of electromagnetic waves.
6 -Explain the terms transmit, emit, and absorb in the context of electromagnetic waves.
7 -An explanation of the term intensity in the context of electromagnetic waves.
8 -Revision of the wave speed formula, explaining how it relates to electromagnetic waves.
9 -Discuss how the radiation you have been assigned interacts with the atmosphere (is it absorbed, transmitted?)
10 -A well-made presentation, with images and illustrations.
11 -Custom animations and interesting slide transitions in the presentation.
12 -A well-made hand-out, with appropriate images and illustrations.
13 -A hand-out that uses clear language (that’s not copied and pasted) to express points in an efficient way.
The following boxes describe the things that you need to include for your specific type of radiation.
Radio waves
-A description and explanation of one use of radio waves.
-A description and explanation of a second use of radio waves.
-An explanation of the difference between short-wave radio and long wave radio, and a description of how they are
received in terms of diffraction.
-An explanation of an animation showing how radio waves are created and received
(http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/radio-waves is really good!)
-A diagram of a radio telescope, and a simple description of how it works.
Microwaves
-A description and explanation of one use of microwaves.
-A description and explanation of a second use of microwaves.
-A basic explained diagram of a microwave oven, including how it works
(http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/microwaves is useful for this!)
-A description of what type of substances absorb microwave radiation.
-An explanation of one danger associated with microwaves.
Infrared
-A description and explanation of one use of infrared radiation.
-A description and explanation of a second use of infrared radiation.
-A (very quick) revision of the three ways heat is transferred.
-An explanation of which types of surface emit and absorb infrared radiation most effectively.
-An explanation of one danger associated with infrared radiation.
Visible Spectrum
-A description and explanation of one use of visible light.
-A description and explanation of a second use of visible light.
-A quick revision of how light reflects, including the law of reflection.
-A discussion of how the different colours of light combine to make different colours
(http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/color-vision is really useful for helping to explain this).
-An explanation of one danger associated with visible light.
Ultraviolet
-A description and explanation of one use of ultraviolet radiation.
-A description and explanation of a second use of ultraviolet radiation.
-An explanation of how ozone reacts with ultraviolet radiation in the atmosphere.
-An explanation of the term ‘ionisation’ in the context of ultraviolet radiation.
-An explanation of one danger associated with ultraviolet radiation.
X-Rays
-A description and explanation of one use of X-rays.
-A description and explanation of a second use of X-rays.
-An explanation of how X-rays were discovered, by whom, and why they are called ‘X-rays’.
-A description and explanation of one safety precaution taken by those working with X-rays.
-An explanation of one danger associated with X-rays.
Gamma Rays
-A description and explanation of one use of Gamma rays.
-A description and explanation of a second use of Gamma rays.
-A brief description of how gamma rays were discovered, including the scientists involved.
-A basic description of how gamma rays are useful in astronomy.
-An explanation of one danger associated with Gamma rays.