# Ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays all have frequencies higher than visible light. Explain why gamma rays are considered the most dangerous of these three types of electromagnetic radiation to living tissue.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 6.1 Frequency range of the spectrum · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Gamma rays have the highest frequency of the three
2. Higher frequency means higher energy
3. The higher energy of gamma rays means they cause more ionisation in living cells / can penetrate deeper into tissue
4. This ionisation can damage or destroy cells / DNA, leading to cell death or cancer

## Key terms

- [electromagnetic radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-radiation)
- [gamma rays](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gamma-rays)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](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/ultraviolet-radiation-x-rays-and-gamma-rays-a0aa4532) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.