Electromagnetic spectrum — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 96 practice questions · 9 syllabus objectives

32 easy32 medium32 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Describe the complete electromagnetic spectrum and state properties of EM waves

Describe methods of detecting electromagnetic radiations

Describe applications of EM radiations including greenhouse effect and solve problems involving c=fλ

Arrange EM radiations in order of increasing/decreasing frequency, wavelength or energy

State common properties of all EM waves and distinguish EM waves from mechanical waves

Apply c = fλ and E = hf to calculate wavelength, frequency, speed and photon energy of EM waves

State detection methods for each region of the EM spectrum

State applications of each type of EM radiation in everyday life and technology

Compare production of X-rays and gamma rays; distinguish hard and soft X-rays; state hazards and shielding

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

List two methods for producing X-rays and two methods for producing gamma rays. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Using an X-ray tube where high-speed electrons collide with a metal target (1 mk)
Using synchrotron radiation produced by electrons moving at relativistic speeds (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
Decay of radioactive isotopes such as cobalt-60 (1 mk)
Nuclear reactions such as fission or fusion processes (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

State two applications of infrared radiation in everyday life. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Used in remote controls for televisions and other devices (1 mk)
Utilised in night vision equipment to detect heat from objects (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Identify a detection method for each of the following regions of the electromagnetic spectrum: (a) microwaves (1 mark) (b) visible light (1 mark) (c) infrared (1 mark) (d) gamma rays (1 mark)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
Microwave receiver or a radar system (1 mk)
Part (b) — 1 mark
Photodetector or a light sensor (1 mk)
Part (c) — 1 mark
Thermopile or infrared sensor (1 mk)
Part (d) — 1 mark
Geiger-Müller tube or scintillation detector (1 mk)
4

List four properties that are common to all electromagnetic waves. (4 marks)

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Why Practise Electromagnetic spectrum?

KNEC Aligned

Questions match the KCSE syllabus objectives and exam format exactly.

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