# A student states: 'All electromagnetic waves are dangerous to humans because they all carry energy.' Evaluate this statement.

> Edexcel A-Level Physics (9PH0) — 5.2 Quantum physics · Evaluate · 5 marks

> Different types of electromagnetic waves have different frequencies and wavelengths. Higher frequency electromagnetic waves carry more energy per wave.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The student is partially correct — electromagnetic waves do all transfer energy from source to absorber
2. However, the statement is not fully correct because not all electromagnetic waves are dangerous to humans
3. Higher frequency electromagnetic waves (such as ultraviolet, X-rays, or gamma rays) carry more energy and can cause cell damage or mutations
4. Named example of a specific danger linked correctly to a specific type of EM wave (e.g. ultraviolet causes skin cancer / eye damage; infrared causes skin burns; microwaves cause internal heating of body cells)
5. Lower frequency / longer wavelength electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or visible light are not considered harmful under normal exposure conditions, so carrying energy alone does not make a wave dangerous

## Key terms

- [electromagnetic waves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-waves)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Physics (9PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-states-all-electromagnetic-waves-d1261e65) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.