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Learning objective

Understand that all types of electromagnetic waves move at the same high speed in a vacuum and nearly the same speed in air.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceWavesCore content

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Quick explanation

Understand that all types of electromagnetic waves move at the same high speed in a vacuum and nearly the same speed in air

  • This point belongs to Electromagnetic spectrum, especially Electromagnetic spectrum outcomes.
  • You need to be able to understand that all types of electromagnetic waves move at the same high speed in a vacuum and nearly the same speed in air.
  • The key ideas to know are Explain and State.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

ExplainState

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Electromagnetic spectrum outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Electromagnetic spectrum.

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Practice Questions7 linked questions

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Paper 3 structured question: Electromagnetic spectrum

Paper 3Theory (Core)3 marks

Description

Speed of Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves travel at a constant speed in a vacuum and nearly the same speed in air.

  1. a

    Explain the significance of the speed of electromagnetic waves in communication technologies.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
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