# Explain why prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation is considered more hazardous to human health than prolonged exposure to infrared radiation of the same intensity.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 5.1 Light and the electromagnetic spectrum · Explain · 4 marks

> Different types of electromagnetic radiation interact with the human body in different ways. Some types are used in medical and industrial applications, whilst others pose significant health risks.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Ultraviolet radiation has a higher frequency than infrared radiation
2. Higher frequency means ultraviolet radiation carries more energy (per wave / photon)
3. Ultraviolet radiation can cause damage to surface cells and eyes / can cause mutations in cells
4. Infrared radiation only causes skin burns / does not have sufficient energy to cause cell mutation or cancer

## Key terms

- [ultraviolet](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ultraviolet)
- [infrared radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/infrared-radiation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-prolonged-exposure-to-ultraviolet-711003b3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.