Absorption is when an electromagnetic wave is incident on a surface and transfers some or all of its energy to that surface.

Infrared radiation means electromagnetic waves with frequencies in a range just lower than for red light.

Electromagnetic waves are oscillations (ripples) in electric and magnetic fields.

The frequency of a wave is the number of oscillations that occur each second.

Control variables are variables that must remain the same throughout an investigation.

Absorbing infrared radiation practical

Combined science

In A-level physics, some pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about the photon model of electromagnetic radiation and the use of electromagnetic radiation for collecting evidence about the universe or for generating images of the inside of a human body.

In the Measuring waves unit, pupils learnt about the measurable features of a wave, the relationship between them and the wave equation.

This unit explores reflection, refraction, and lenses using ray diagrams. It covers the electromagnetic spectrum, light as a wave, absorption, transmission, and practical uses. Emphasis is on risks, temperature balance, data presentation, and unit conversions.

Electromagnetic waves

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of following terms explain what is meant by 'absorbing'?

It sometimes appears red and is sometimes invisible.

It appears both red and invisible at the same time.

Which of the following statements about the appearance of infrared radiation is correct?

Starting with the one with the lowest frequency, put these types of electromagnetic radiation into order of increasing frequency. 

The higher the temperature of an object, the more infrared radiation it emits and the {{}} the frequency of the most intense radiation emitted.

Which of the following type of variable is shoe size in an investigation to find out if shoe size affects the distance you can kick a football?

Which of the following does infrared radiation transfer to an object when it is absorbed?

Starting with red light, sort the colours of light into the order they appear on the visible spectrum.

What is the bending of light called when it moves from one transparent medium into another?

Starting with starting with the highest frequency, sort the colours of light into order of decreasing frequency.

Which of the following types of EM radiation, emitted by the Sun, can be absorbed by the skin, causing it to become darker?

Which of the following types of electromagnetic radiation causes the skin to detect feelings of warmth?

Which of the following oscillate to produce electromagnetic waves?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Absorbing infrared radiation practical

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.