Explain why ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays are considered more hazardous to the human body than radio waves and microwaves.

AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.6.2 Electromagnetic waves · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

UV, X-rays and gamma rays have higher frequency and shorter wavelength than radio waves and microwaves.
X-rays and gamma rays are ionising radiation – they can ionise atoms or molecules in body tissue.
Ionising radiation, including UV, can cause mutation of genes in cells.
Radio waves and microwaves have lower frequency and lower energy, so they do not ionise atoms or cause gene mutation in body tissue.

Examiner tips

  • Use the term 'ionising radiation' for X-rays and gamma rays; mention UV as high‑frequency but still ionising.
  • Show the link between higher frequency/energy and the ability to ionise atoms.
  • Explain the biological effect – gene mutation – as the reason for greater hazard.
  • Keep the answer concise and use the exact terminology from the mark scheme.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing non‑ionising with ionising radiation; forgetting to mention UV as ionising.
  • Failing to state that higher frequency equals higher energy.
  • Using vague terms like 'more dangerous' without explaining the mechanism.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. UV, X-rays and gamma rays have higher frequency (and shorter wavelength) than radio waves and microwaves
  2. X-rays and gamma rays are ionising radiation / can ionise atoms or molecules in body tissue
  3. Ionising radiation / UV radiation can cause mutation of genes (in cells)
  4. Radio waves and microwaves have lower frequency / lower energy so they do not ionise atoms / cause gene mutation in body tissue

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