Question 1: Define the electromagnetic spectrum and explain how different types of electromagnetic waves are produced.

Answer: The electromagnetic spectrum includes all types of electromagnetic radiation, which are produced by accelerating charged particles and vary in wavelength and frequency from radio waves to gamma rays.

Question 2: List the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing frequency.

Answer: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.

Question 3: Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has the longest wavelength?

Answer: Radio waves

Question 4: Describe the main mechanism by which gamma rays are produced in the universe.

Answer: Gamma rays are produced by high-energy processes such as nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and interactions of high-energy particles with matter.

Question 5: Fill in the blank: The primary reason why gamma rays are used in cancer treatment is their ability to __________ cancerous cells.

Answer: destroy

Question 6: Explain why radio waves are suitable for communication over long distances.

Answer: Radio waves have long wavelengths and low energy, allowing them to diffract around obstacles and travel long distances with minimal attenuation, making them ideal for communication.

Question 7: Calculate the wavelength of a microwave with a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Use the formula: wavelength = speed of light / frequency. (Speed of light = 3 × 10^8 m/s).

Answer: Wavelength = 3 × 10^8 m/s / 2.45 × 10^9 Hz = 0.1224 meters

Question 8: Identify one practical application of ultraviolet radiation in everyday life.

Answer: Ultraviolet radiation is used in sterilisation and fluorescent lighting.

Question 9: Describe the safety precautions necessary when working with X-rays in a medical setting.

Answer: Safety precautions include wearing lead aprons, lead shields, limiting exposure time, and using protective barriers to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to staff and patients.

Question 10: In a practical scenario, explain how the frequency of a wave affects its energy and ability to penetrate materials.

Answer: Higher frequency waves, such as X-rays and gamma rays, carry more energy and can penetrate materials more effectively than lower frequency waves like radio waves, which are absorbed or reflected by objects.