GCSE level questions on the Earth in Space
Q11. Infrared and microwaves are two types of electromagnetic radiation.
(a)
(i) State one example of the use of each type of radiation for communication.
Use of infrared:
remote controls, fibre optic (communications) 
Use of microwaves:
mobile/cell phones satellite (communications/TV), wi-fi, Bluetooth
[2 marks]
(ii) Some of the properties of infrared and microwaves are the same.
State two of these properties.
Any two from
same speed or travel at the speed of light (in a vacuum)
transverse
can transfer energy (from one place to another)
can be reflected
can be refracted
can be diffracted
can be absorbed / transmitted
can travel through a vacuum/space
can be polarised
[2 marks]
(b) In 1964, physicists discovered microwave radiation that filled the universe.
(i) Name this type of radiation.
Cosmic Microwave Background (Radiation)
[1 mark]
(ii) State the importance of this discovery made by the physicists.
The Big Bang (theory) predicted the existence of CMBR and discovering it disprived the 'Steady State' theory and supported the Big Bang Theory,
[1 mark]
(Total 5 marks)
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