Free worksheet and solutions · AQA GCSE · 8463 / 8464
AQA GCSE Physics Electromagnetic Spectrum, Applications and Infrared Practical Worksheet
Practise the electromagnetic spectrum, wave calculations, radiation uses and infrared practical skills. AQA GCSE PDF worksheet with worked answers and tier labels.
What is covered
Questions and skills covered
The worksheet contains 7 pages of printable questions. A separate 7-page solutions PDF makes it easy to mark, review or share answers after the activity.
- Electromagnetic Spectrum, Applications and Infrared Practical
- Both-tier core; Q6(a–e) is Higher only. Infrared practical itself is shared both-tier content:8463 RP10/8464 RP21.
- A food-drying and packaging line provides linked problems about heaters, cameras, X-ray inspection and communication links. Pupils practise spectrum order, wavelength/frequency calculations, controlled surface-temperature measurements and evidence-based coating choices. An original exam-style Leslie cube diagram supports a scaffolded six-mark emission method, followed by supplied dose calculations and risk judgements. Higher-only questions explain heating, selective transmission, induced electrical oscillations and hidden-fragment contrast.
About this activity
A food-drying and packaging line provides linked problems about heaters, cameras, X-ray inspection and communication links. Pupils practise spectrum order, wavelength/frequency calculations, controlled surface-temperature measurements and evidence-based coating choices. An original exam-style Leslie cube diagram supports a scaffolded six-mark emission method, followed by supplied dose calculations and risk judgements. Higher-only questions explain heating, selective transmission, induced electrical oscillations and hidden-fragment contrast.
Before you start
Both-tier core; Q6(a–e) is Higher only. Infrared practical itself is shared both-tier content:8463 RP10/8464 RP21.
A question from the worksheet
Original question from this worksheet
Equal aluminium plates are heated under controlled conditions. The matt black plate rises by 9.2, 8.8 and 9.0 degrees Celsius; the polished plate rises by 3.1, 2.9 and 3.0 degrees Celsius. Calculate the mean rises and select a surface for strong absorption from this heater.
Show the answer
The mean rises are 9.0 degrees Celsius and 3.0 degrees Celsius. Choose matt black: with equal plates and controlled exposure, its larger rise indicates greater absorption from the heater. These temperature data are not a direct measurement of infrared emission.
Common error: Check units, the stated model and the course/tier labels before choosing the physics.
Specification fit
AQA GCSE Physics Worksheets
8463 and 8464 · 4.6.1.2, 4.6.2.1, 4.6.2.2, 4.6.2.3, 4.6.2.4, 6.6.1.2, 6.6.2.1, 6.6.2.2, 6.6.2.3, 6.6.2.4
- 8463: 4.6.1.2, 4.6.2.1, 4.6.2.2, 4.6.2.3, 4.6.2.4
- 8464: 6.6.1.2, 6.6.2.1, 6.6.2.2, 6.6.2.3, 6.6.2.4
Choose the correct pathway: Both-tier core; Q6(a–e) is Higher only. Infrared practical itself is shared both-tier content:8463 RP10/8464 RP21.
Classroom use
Use the worksheet for class practice, homework, intervention, cover work or revision. Keep the PhysicsUK attribution intact when sharing copies with pupils.