Electromagnetic spectrum · IGCSE Physics 0625 Simulation

About this lab: Electromagnetic spectrum

Interactive simulation for Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 topic 3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum: the seven regions from radio to gamma laid out by wavelength and frequency with the uses and typical wavelengths of each, a chart of the harm each band can do from microwave heating to ionising X-rays and gamma rays with the protection used, and a comparison of analogue and digital signals on a noisy cable showing why digital can be regenerated, plus which wave is chosen for satellites, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optical fibres.

IGCSE Physics 0625, topic 3.3. The regions of the spectrum with their uses, the harmful effects of each band, and communication with analogue and digital signals.

Electromagnetic spectrum is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 (topic 3 Waves, section 3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum). The course is assessed in Papers 1 and 2 (multiple choice), 3 and 4 (theory), 5 (practical test) and 6 (alternative to practical). There are 3 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

3.3 Know the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency and in order of wavelength
3.3 Know that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same high speed in a vacuum
3.3 Describe typical uses of the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum including: (a) radio waves; radio and television transmissions, astronomy, radio frequency identification (RFID) (b) microwaves; satellite television, mobile phones (cell phones), microwave ovens (c) infrared; electric grills, short range communications such as remote controllers for televisions, intruder alarms, thermal imaging, optical fibres (d) visible light; vision, photography, illumination (e) ultraviolet; security marking, detecting fake bank notes, sterilising water (f) X-rays; medical scanning, security scanners (g) gamma rays; sterilising food and medical equipment, detection of cancer and its treatment
3.3 Describe the harmful effects on people of excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation, including: (a) microwaves; internal heating of body cells (b) infrared; skin burns (c) ultraviolet; damage to surface cells and eyes, leading to skin cancer and eye conditions (d) X-rays and gamma rays; mutation or damage to cells in the body
3.3 Know that communication with artificial satellites is mainly by microwaves: (a) some satellite phones use low orbit artificial satellites (b) some satellite phones and direct broadcast satellite television use geostationary satellites
3.3 Know that the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 m / s and is approximately the same in air (Supplement)
3.3 Know that many important systems of communications rely on electromagnetic radiation including: (a) mobile phones (cell phones) and wireless internet use microwaves because microwaves can penetrate some walls and only require a short aerial for transmission and reception (b) Bluetooth uses radio waves because radio waves pass through walls but the signal is weakened on doing so (c) optical fibres (visible light or infrared) are used for cable television and high-speed broadband because glass is transparent to visible light and some infrared; visible light and short wavelength infrared can carry high rates of data (Supplement)
3.3 Know the difference between a digital and analogue signal (Supplement)
Lessons on this topic: Regions of the EM spectrum and their uses, Harmful effects of EM radiation on people, Digital vs analogue signals and benefits of digital.

Full syllabus map: IGCSE Physics 0625 topic 3.

How to use this simulation

1. Regions and uses.
2. Harmful effects.
3. Digital and analogue.
The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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