A hospital uses x-rays and gamma rays.
Syringes are sealed in plastic packets. The sealed packets are then sterilised using gamma rays.
Explain how gamma rays can sterilise syringes that are already sealed in packets.
A radiographer takes x-ray images of patients.
Explain why the radiographer stands behind a lead screen when the x-ray machine is switched on, but the patient does not.
The Table shows the typical radiation dose from two medical procedures.
Table
| Procedure | Typical dose in dose units |
|---|---|
| chest x-ray | 0.02 |
| CT scan of the chest | 7 |
Calculate the number of chest x-rays that would give the same dose as one CT scan of the chest.
Suggest why a doctor only asks for a CT scan when it is really needed.
104 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 5.4 Uses and dangers of EM radiation, covering 5.4.1 Dangers of electromagnetic radiation, 5.4.2 Uses of electromagnetic radiation, 5.4.3 Radio waves and oscillations in circuits, and 5.4.4 Changes in atoms and nuclei generating radiation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.