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A patient with a suspected broken arm is going to have an X-ray image taken - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 5
Question 2
A patient with a suspected broken arm is going to have an X-ray image taken. Explain the risk to the patient of exposure to X-rays. Go on to discuss three ways by ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A patient with a suspected broken arm is going to have an X-ray image taken - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 5
Step 1
Explain the risk to the patient of exposure to X-rays.
Answer
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, which means they carry enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially causing cellular damage. This can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer or other health issues over time due to cellular mutations. Therefore, exposure to X-rays should be minimized to protect the patient's health.
Step 2
Discuss three ways by which the design and use of the X-ray equipment minimises this risk.
Answer
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Lead Shields: The use of lead aprons or shields during X-ray procedures can protect other parts of the body from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
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Collimation: Modern X-ray machines use collimators to focus the X-ray beam only on the area of interest, reducing scattered radiation and ensuring only the affected area is exposed.
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Minimizing Exposure Time: Technological advancements allow for quicker X-ray imaging. By reducing the time the patient is exposed to X-rays, the overall dose of radiation is decreased, thus minimizing health risks.