AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects on…
Full specification wording
Properties of electromagnetic waves 2: Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects on human body tissue.
Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays carry enough energy to have hazardous effects on human body tissue.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 11
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays carry enough energy to have hazardous effects on human body tissue. The specific hazard depends on the type of radiation. Ultraviolet waves are absorbed by the skin, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. In contrast, X-rays and gamma rays are highly penetrating and are classified as ionising radiation. This means they carry enough energy to knock electrons off atoms, which can cause the mutation of genes and lead to cancer. Lower frequency waves, like radio waves and visible light, do not carry enough energy to cause these specific hazardous effects.
What earns the marks
- Stating that ultraviolet waves can cause premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
- Identifying X-rays and gamma rays as ionising radiation.
- Linking ionising radiation to the mutation of genes and cancer.
- Stating that X-rays and gamma rays penetrate the body while ultraviolet is absorbed by the skin.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Classifying ultraviolet as ionising radiation, which is incorrect at GCSE level.
Stating that microwaves and radio waves cause cancer because they are radiation.
Describing the damage as burning, with no mention of cells, genes or mutations for X-rays and gamma rays.
Exam tips
- Clearly distinguish between the effects of UV (skin ageing and cancer) and X-rays or gamma rays (ionising, gene mutation, cancer).
- Remember that X-rays and gamma rays are the only EM waves classified as ionising radiation in this specification.
Try the lesson
The start of the Properties of electromagnetic waves 2: Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects on human body tissue. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which group of electromagnetic waves can have hazardous effects on human body tissue because they are ionising radiation?
Listen
Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays carry enough energy to have hazardous effects on human body tissue. The specific hazard depends on the type of radiation. Ultraviolet waves are absorbed by the skin, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. In contrast, X-rays and gamma rays are highly penetrating and are classified as ionising radiation. This means they carry enough energy to knock electrons off atoms, which can cause the mutation of genes and lead to cancer. Lower frequency waves, like radio waves and visible light, do not carry enough energy to cause these specific hazardous effects. A strong answer earns marks for these points. stating that ultraviolet waves can cause premature skin ageing and skin cancer. identifying X-rays and gamma rays as ionising radiation. linking ionising radiation to the mutation of genes and cancer. stating that X-rays and gamma rays penetrate the body while ultraviolet is absorbed by the skin. Exam tip: Clearly distinguish between the effects of UV (skin ageing and cancer) and X-rays or gamma rays (ionising, gene mutation, cancer).
See it
Key words
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hazardous effects
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ionising radiation
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gene mutation and cancer
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premature skin ageing
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See every definition
- hazardous effects
- Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays carry enough energy to have hazardous effects on human body tissue.
- ionising radiation
- X-rays and gamma rays are highly penetrating and are classified as ionising radiation, carrying enough energy to knock electrons off atoms.
- gene mutation and cancer
- Knocking electrons off atoms can cause the mutation of genes and lead to cancer.
- premature skin ageing
- Ultraviolet waves are absorbed by the skin, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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