Skin cancer can be caused by radiation from the Sun - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 5
Skin cancer can be caused by radiation from the Sun.
The radiation that causes skin cancer is:
A ultraviolet radiation
B radio waves
C microwaves
D infra... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Skin cancer can be caused by radiation from the Sun - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Skin cancer can be caused by radiation from the Sun. Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The correct answer is A: ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been linked to skin cancer as it can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations.
Step 2
Use this diagram to classify the three types of radiation given in the word box.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
In the diagram, the classifications are as follows:
Gamma rays: ionising radiation
Infrared radiation: electromagnetic radiation
Alpha particles: ionising radiation
Step 3
Which of these is correct for all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The correct answer is C: they are transverse waves. All electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum as transverse waves.
Step 4
Describe a use of gamma radiation.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Gamma radiation is commonly used in medical treatments, particularly in cancer therapy, where it helps to kill or shrink tumors by targeting malignant cells.
Step 5
Explain how the results of the experiments carried out by Herschel and Ritter led to these discoveries.
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Herschel and Ritter conducted experiments that revealed the properties of infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Herschel measured the temperature across the spectrum and found that it increased as he moved towards the red end, indicating the presence of infrared radiation. Ritter measured the speed of darkening of silver chloride paper when exposed to light beyond the violet end of the spectrum, which showed quicker darkening, indicating the presence of ultraviolet radiation. These findings led to the conclusion that there exists radiation beyond the visible spectrum in both directions: infrared and ultraviolet.
