AQA · Physics · 8463

GCSE Physics: Properties of electromagnetic waves

Waves · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.6.2.3. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Properties of electromagnetic waves", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.

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  1. How can radio waves be produced in an electrical circuit?

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    By oscillations (alternating currents) in the circuit — the oscillating charges emit radio waves of the same frequency.

  2. What happens in a circuit when it absorbs radio waves?

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    An alternating current is induced with the same frequency as the radio wave.

  3. Gamma rays originate from changes in the ? of an atom.

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    nucleus

  4. Which three types of electromagnetic wave are hazardous to human body tissue?

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    Ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

  5. What two factors determine the harm caused by electromagnetic radiation to body tissue?

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    The type of radiation and the size of the dose.

  6. What does radiation dose measure?

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    The risk of harm resulting from an exposure of the body to radiation.

  7. What is the unit of radiation dose?

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    The sievert (Sv).

  8. 1 sievert (Sv) = ? millisieverts (mSv).

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    1000

  9. What two harmful effects can ultraviolet waves have on skin?

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    Premature ageing of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer.

  10. Why are X-rays and gamma rays dangerous to living cells?

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    They are ionising radiation, which can cause gene mutations and cancer.

  11. X-rays and gamma rays are ? radiation that can cause the mutation of genes.

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    ionising

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