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5.4 Uses and dangers of EM radiation

5.4 Uses and dangers of EM radiation

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Question 5

The following descriptions describe waves from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Complete each description by writing the name of the wave.

Use the name of each wave only once. Each description refers to a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

a.

Description 1

  • used in cancer radiotherapy to kill malignant cells and to sterilise medical instruments
  • can cause cellular mutation and severe radiation sickness due to its highly ionising nature
  • typical wavelength 5.0 × 10-13 m
  • name of wave: .....
[1]
b.

Description 2

  • used in thermal imaging cameras to locate survivors in search and rescue operations, and in television remote controls
  • can be felt as heat and may cause superficial skin burns upon overexposure
  • typical wavelength 1.2 × 10-5 m
  • name of wave: .....
[1]
c.

Description 3

  • used for terrestrial television broadcasts and national FM radio transmissions
  • has the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum and does not cause ionisation
  • typical wavelength 2.5 × 101 m
  • name of wave: .....
[1]
d.

Description 4

  • used in radar tracking systems and for rapid internal heating of food items
  • can cause internal heating of body tissues if exposure is extremely intense
  • typical wavelength 8.0 × 10-2 m
  • name of wave: .....
[1]
Markscheme

5.4 Uses and dangers of EM radiation Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.4 Uses and dangers of EM radiation

25 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 5.4 Uses and dangers of EM radiation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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