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Question 6 of 16 in Gamma rays

Gamma rays

2 marks · Easy

Give two reasons why gamma rays are considered dangerous.

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They can penetrate deeply into the body and cause mutations or cancer.

Also accept: highly penetrating; cause damage to living cells; can pass through the body and cause mutations

Common mistakes: just they are hot; only cause burns

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States gamma rays are highly penetrating

B2 · 1 mark · States gamma rays can cause mutations/damage/cancer

Worked solution

Gamma rays are dangerous because they are highly penetrating and can pass deep into tissues. They can cause mutations in cells, which can lead to cancer.

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