Gamma rays

3 marks · Normal

Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical equipment.

(a)

Explain why gamma rays are suitable for sterilising materials inside sealed packages.

[2 marks]

(b)

State one advantage of using gamma rays rather than boiling water for sterilising.

[1 mark]

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(a) Gamma rays are highly penetrating so they can pass through packaging and kill microorganisms inside sealed equipment.

(b) Gamma rays can sterilise without opening the package / Do not damage heat-sensitive equipment / Can sterilise items in sealed containers.

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

B1 (a) · 1 mark · Mentions gamma rays are highly penetrating/penetrate packaging.

B2 (a) · 1 mark · States that gamma rays kill microorganisms/germs even inside sealed packages.

B3 (b) · 1 mark · States an advantage: e.g., does not require opening, does not damage heat-sensitive items.

Worked solution

a) Gamma rays are highly penetrating so they pass through packaging and kill microorganisms even inside sealed containers. b) Gamma rays can sterilise heat-sensitive items and do not require equipment to be opened or heated.