Combined Science GCSE
Risk
What Risk means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Risk
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Risk in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Probability, not certainty: exposure raises the chance of cancer but does not guarantee it, and generally increases with dose and duration of exposure.
The probability of a harmful outcome combined with its severity, so the same change can pose different risks in different places.
The probability or chance of harm occurring, such as an increased chance of cancer or genetic damage from radiation exposure.
Topics that use Risk
- Global climate change (AQA GCSE)
- Properties of electromagnetic waves 2 (AQA GCSE)
- The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Correlation
- Ionising radiation
- alveoli
- Bias in data collection
- Blood glucose regulation
- Carcinogen
- Causation
- Climate change
Using Risk in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Combined Science GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge