Gamma rays
3 marks · NormalGamma rays are highly penetrating electromagnetic waves.
Describe what happens if a person is exposed to a large dose of gamma rays.
State one way to protect people from exposure to gamma rays in hospitals.
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(a) Large doses can damage living cells, cause mutations in DNA, increase the risk of cancer, or kill cells.
(b) Use lead screens/shielding, wear lead aprons, or stay behind a protective barrier.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Describes that gamma rays can damage cells/cause mutations/cause cancer/kills cells.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Includes details of harm (e.g. mutation, cancer, cell death).
B3 (b) · 1 mark · States a suitable safety precaution.
Worked solution
a) Exposure to a large dose of gamma rays can damage or kill living cells. It may cause mutations in DNA, and this can lead to cancer. b) People can be protected by using lead shields, lead aprons, or by staying behind protective barriers.