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Combined Science
Key terms
Electromagnetic wave

GCSE Combined Science · key term

Electromagnetic wave

Definition

A transverse wave that transfers energy from a source to an absorber and can travel through a vacuum.

Used by AQA and Edexcel

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy · 8464

Specification 6.6.2.1, 6.6.2.3, 6.6.2.4 · Paper 6

Light is an electromagnetic wave: a transverse wave that transfers energy from a source to an absorber.
Revise: Electromagnetic Wave Spectrum
A wave that transfers energy through electromagnetic oscillations and can travel through a vacuum.
Revise: Generation and Absorption of Electromagnetic Waves
A wave that transfers energy through oscillating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum.
Revise: Applications of Electromagnetic Waves

AQA Combined Science Trilogy past papers

Edexcel GCSE Combined Science · 1SC0

Paper 5, Paper 6

A transverse wave that transfers energy from a source to an observer or absorber and can travel through a vacuum.
Light is one example of an electromagnetic wave. Radio waves, microwaves and X-rays belong to the same family, even though we cannot see them.
Revise: Electromagnetic waves and the spectrum
Revise: Effects and uses of EM waves

Edexcel Combined Science past papers

Exam tips

1
For an energy-transfer example, identify the source, the type of electromagnetic wave and the absorber, then describe the effect on the absorber.
2
A higher frequency does not mean a higher speed: all electromagnetic waves travel at the same velocity through a vacuum or air.
3
Include ‘in a vacuum’ when stating that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed.

Related key terms

Frequency
Absorption
Electromagnetic spectrum
Fluorescence
Thermal imaging
Transverse wave
Vacuum
Visible light
Wavelength
Absorber

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