Microwaves
4 marks · NormalMicrowaves are used in mobile phones to carry signals.
Describe one benefit and one risk of using microwaves in mobile phone technology.
Suggest one way people can reduce the risk you described in part (a).
Explain why mobile phone microwaves do not cook your brain.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) Benefit: Allows communication almost anywhere (portable, reliable signals). Risk: Possible harm from long-term exposure to microwaves (potential brain effects).
(b) Limit time on phone/use hands-free devices; keep phone away from body.
(c) Microwaves used by mobile phones have much lower energy than microwaves used in ovens, so they cannot heat tissue to levels that would cook the brain.
Common mistakes: Saying any exposure will definitely cause harm.; Mistaking energy levels for oven microwaves.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States a correct benefit of microwave use in mobile phones.
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States a correct risk/harm linked to microwaves in mobile phones.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Suggests a valid risk reduction (reduced use, use hands-free).
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Correctly explains the lower energy of microwaves in phones compared to ovens.
Worked solution
a) Benefit: You can communicate almost anywhere. Risk: Possible harm to brain if used too much.
b) Limit time on the phone or use hands-free settings.
c) The energy of microwaves from mobile phones is much less than in ovens, so it does not heat up brain tissue.