SP5 Light and the electromagnetic spectrum personal learning checklist

GCSE Edexcel Separate Sciences · Physics Paper 1

Name ____________________ Class __________ Date __________

Tick one box per statement. Red: need help. Amber: partly confident. Green: can do independently.

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Spectrum and calculations
Describe electromagnetic waves as transverse energy transfers with equal vacuum speed and no required medium.
Order the continuous spectrum and visible colours by wavelength and frequency.
Calculate electromagnetic wavelengths, frequencies and travel times using suitable unit conversions.
Compare wavelength-dependent material interactions and explain speed and wavelength changes in materials (Higher).
Refraction practical
Trace rays through rectangular glass blocks, drawing normals and measuring angles with controlled technique.
Explain parallel displaced emerging rays and straight normal-incidence rays.
Detection and production
Describe Herschel's infrared and Ritter's ultraviolet investigations using appropriate detectors.
Explain radio production and reception through oscillations in electrical circuits (Higher).
Describe how radiation emission and absorption can change atoms and nuclei.
Uses and hazards
Link radio, microwave and infrared uses to communication, absorption, heating and thermal detection.
Link visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma uses to illumination, fluorescence, imaging and sterilisation.
Explain excessive-exposure hazards and distinguish ionisation from heating, considering frequency, intensity and exposure.
Evaluate protection and medical benefits against radiation risks and explain atmospheric detector limitations.
Reflection and colour
Draw reflection and refraction rays and compare specular and diffuse reflection.
Explain object colours and filters using wavelength absorption, reflection and transmission.
Explain critical angle, total internal reflection and optical fibres.
Lenses
Relate lens shape, signed power and focal length and calculate lens power.
Draw converging and diverging lens rays to locate images.
Compare real and virtual images for different lens types and object positions.
Thermal radiation
Explain how temperature affects emitted radiation and wavelength distribution.
Explain absorbed/emitted power balance and Earth's radiation balance (Higher).
Plan and evaluate surface-radiation investigations using at least four controlled containers.

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