Electromagnetic waves have many uses in everyday life, but some can be harmful to the human body. Describe the uses and potential hazards of ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Eduqas A-Level Physics — 6.2 Particle physics and the standard model (A-Level only) · Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

Ultraviolet radiation is used in energy‑efficient lamps, disinfecting water and sun‑tanning.

Ultraviolet radiation can damage cells, cause eye damage, skin cancer and other eye conditions.

X‑rays are used for medical imaging and security scanners.

Gamma rays are used for detecting and treating cancers, sterilising food and medical implements.

Both X‑rays and gamma rays can damage cells and cause mutations.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terminology from the mark scheme (e.g. ‘cell damage’, ‘eye damage’).
  • Show each use and hazard in separate sentences to match the 5‑point structure.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up ultraviolet with visible light or forgetting to mention a specific use.
  • Using vague terms like ‘harmful’ instead of the specific hazards listed.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. Ultraviolet radiation is used in energy efficient lamps / disinfecting water / sun tanning (any one use)
  2. Ultraviolet radiation can cause cell damage / eye damage / skin cancer / eye conditions
  3. X-rays are used for medical imaging / security scanners
  4. Gamma rays are used for detecting and/or treating cancers / sterilising food / sterilising medical implements
  5. Both X-rays and gamma rays can cause cell damage and/or mutations

Key terms in this question

ultraviolet · X-rays · gamma rays

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