(a) Skin cancer can be caused by radiation from the Sun - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 5
(a) 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.
The radiation that causes ski... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Skin cancer can be caused by radiation from the Sun - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
The radiation that causes skin cancer is A ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is known to damage DNA in skin cells, leading to cancer.
Step 2
Use this diagram to classify the three types of radiation given in the word box.
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Answer
Gamma Rays - This falls under ionising radiation and electromagnetic radiation.
Infrared Radiation - This comes under electromagnetic radiation but is not ionising.
Alpha Particles - This falls under ionising radiation only.
Step 3
Which of these is correct for all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
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Answer
C they are transverse waves. All electromagnetic waves propagate as transverse waves, each perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
Step 4
Describe a use of gamma radiation.
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Answer
Gamma radiation is commonly used in medical applications, such as in cancer treatment. It can target and kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Step 5
Explain how the results of the experiments carried out by Herschel and Ritter led to these discoveries.
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Answer
Herschel's experiment involved measuring the temperature of different colors of light, revealing that infrared radiation was present just beyond the visible spectrum, as he found higher temperature readings. Ritter's experiment used silver chloride paper, which darkened quickly when exposed to light just beyond the violet end of the spectrum, indicating the presence of ultraviolet radiation. Both findings contributed significantly to our understanding of these types of radiation.
