Topic Summaries

Hazardous waves

GCSE > Physics > CCEA > GCSE Physics Topic Summaries > Absorbing and emitting infrared radiation > Hazardous waves
Previous Module
Next Module

Charge, current, and electric fields

Stopping, braking, and momentum

Science skills: Measuring results

  • Electromagnetic waves can be produced when changes occur within atoms or their nuclei, such as during radioactive decay or when electrons move between energy levels.
  • Gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus of an atom when it loses excess nuclear energy, often after alpha or beta decay, and are the most penetrating and energetic type of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Atoms can also absorb electromagnetic radiation, which can cause electrons to move to higher energy levels. These changes can later result in re-emission of electromagnetic waves.
  • Certain types of electromagnetic radiation, specifically ultraviolet (UV), X-rays, and gamma rays, are particularly hazardous to living tissue because they carry enough energy to ionise atoms, potentially damaging or mutating DNA within cells.
    • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to premature ageing of the skin, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
      • UV exposure is primarily from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds.
      • Protection includes wearing sunblock, covering skin, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
    • X-rays and gamma rays are widely used in medical diagnostics and treatment.
      • For example, X-rays are used for imaging bones and gamma rays are used in cancer radiotherapy.
      • Excessive or repeated exposure can be harmful for both patients and technicians.
      • Medical professionals minimise exposure by using lead shields, limiting frequency of procedures, and ensuring only essential scans are performed.
  • The risk from exposure to hazardous waves is quantified using radiation dose, measured in sieverts (Sv). This takes into account:
    • The type of radiation (e.g. gamma rays are more penetrating than UV)
    • The amount (intensity) of radiation
    • The duration of exposure
  • Monitoring and controlling exposure to hazardous radiation is critical in fields such as healthcare, nuclear power, and aviation, to protect both workers and the public.

Unlock Hazardous waves

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module