Lesson 6.6.2.2

6.6.2.2 Properties of electromagnetic waves 1 Quiz: AQA Combined Science, Unit 23

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 6.6.2.2, Properties of electromagnetic waves 1: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Combined Science (8464), Unit 23: Waves, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. How do substances interact with different wavelengths of EM waves?

    • Independent of wavelength
    • Varies with wavelength
    • Only by mass
    • Always identical

  2. What causes the refraction of a wave entering a new medium?

    • Change in source
    • Change in frequency
    • Change in speed
    • Change in amplitude

  3. In which direction does a wave bend when entering a denser medium at an angle?

    • Parallel to boundary
    • Away from normal
    • Not bending
    • Towards normal

  4. What does a ray diagram show when a wave crosses a boundary at an angle?

    • Constant straight line
    • Complete absorption
    • Zero speed change
    • Bending of the ray

  5. What physical property change is used to explain refraction in wavefront diagrams?

    • Change of amplitude
    • Change of mass
    • Change of colour
    • Change of speed

  6. (HT only) In the infrared absorption practical, which surface absorbs and radiates the most infrared?

    • A white polished surface
    • A clear glass surface
    • A matt black surface
    • A shiny silver surface

  7. Compared with a matt black surface, what does a shiny surface do?

    • Reflects less infrared
    • Emits more infrared
    • Absorbs less infrared
    • Absorbs more infrared

  8. What happens when light slows down as it enters glass from air?

    • It stops entirely
    • It diffracts
    • It refracts
    • It accelerates

  9. (HT only) The process in which a wave passes through a substance is called:

    • Absorption
    • Refraction
    • Transmission
    • Reflection

  10. What term describes a wave bouncing back from a boundary?

    • Absorption
    • Transmission
    • Refraction
    • Reflection

  11. What happens to the direction of a wave passing into water at normal incidence?

    • Reverses direction
    • Bends away normal
    • Does not change
    • Bends towards normal

  12. When wavefronts get closer together as a wave slows down, how does it bend?

    • Parallel to normal
    • Towards the normal
    • Away from normal
    • Along the boundary

  13. (HT only) Which property of a wave is unchanged by refraction?

    • Wavelength
    • Frequency
    • Direction
    • Speed

  14. (HT only) A wave slows from 3 x 10^8 m/s to 2 x 10^8 m/s on entering a medium. Its wavelength changes from 600 nm to:

    • 300 nm
    • 400 nm
    • 600 nm
    • 900 nm

  15. Why does a light ray pass straight through a glass block at normal incidence?

    • Infinite wavelength
    • Total internal reflection
    • Zero angle of incidence
    • Maximum speed

  16. How does a material that strongly absorbs infrared behave in sunlight?

    • Cools down quicker
    • Transmits all energy
    • Heats up quicker
    • Reflects more light

  17. (HT only) Which surface is best for keeping a drink cold in sunlight?

    • A dark blue surface
    • A shiny silver surface
    • A matt black surface
    • A dull grey surface

  18. (HT only) Which quantity changes when a wave refracts at a boundary?

    • Frequency only
    • Speed and wavelength
    • Period only
    • Amplitude only

  19. (HT only) A wave enters a faster medium and bends away from the normal. Its speed:

    • Stays the same
    • Increases
    • Becomes zero
    • Decreases

  20. Which quantity is measured in the infrared absorption practical activity?

    • Frequency shift
    • Temperature rise
    • Wave speed
    • Wavelength change

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