Foundation Level (Fail → Pass)

Simple prompts to introduce and reinforce basic ideas.

1. Define electromagnetic radiation in your own words.

2. List three examples of electromagnetic waves.

3. What is wavelength?

4. What is frequency?

5. State the speed of light.

6. Draw a simple wave and label wavelength and amplitude.

7. Explain what the electromagnetic spectrum is.

8. Arrange radio waves, visible light, and gamma rays in order of increasing energy.

9. Define a photon.

10. State the relationship between wavelength and frequency.

 Intermediate Level (Pass → Credit)

Prompts requiring explanation, comparison, and basic calculations.

1. Explain why electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to travel.

2. Compare the energies of UV and infrared radiation.

3. Use the formula c = λν to calculate frequency from a given wavelength.

4. Explain what is meant by wave–particle duality.

5. Describe one real-life application of infrared radiation.

6. Describe how X-rays are useful in medicine.

7. Explain why gamma rays are dangerous.

8. Describe how microwaves are used in communication.

9. Given a frequency, calculate photon energy using E = hν.

10. Explain why different colours of light have different wavelengths.

Advanced Level (Credit → Distinction)

Higher-order and analytical prompts.

1. Analyse how de Broglie’s equation supports the wave nature of matter.

2. Explain the significance of Planck’s constant in quantum theory.

3. Discuss the limitations of the classical wave model of light.

4. Derive the relationship between energy and wavelength (E = hc/λ).

5. Evaluate the evidence that light behaves both as waves and particles.

6. Explain how diffraction supports the wave model of electrons.

7. Compare the penetration and ionizing powers of UV, X-rays, and gamma rays.

8. Predict the effects of increasing the frequency of a wave while keeping speed constant.

9. Analyse how the photoelectric effect contradicts classical physics.

10. Describe how the electromagnetic spectrum is used in astronomy to identify elements.