Microwaves
2 marks · NormalA student claims that using mobile phones is completely safe since microwaves have less energy than other waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Do you agree? Give one scientific reason for your answer.
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Disagree; even though microwaves from mobile phones are low in energy compared to some other waves, evidence suggests overuse may still harm the brain or body tissues if exposure is high.
Also accept: No, because evidence is growing that overuse of mobile phones, which use microwaves, may eventually cause harm to human tissue. Energy is less but not completely safe.
Common mistakes: Simply saying yes/no without reason
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Disagrees with the claim (or gives a qualified answer).
A1 · 1 mark · Correct reason: microwaves from phones may still cause harm if exposure is excessive.
Worked solution
No, using mobile phones is not completely safe. Although the microwaves used by mobile phones are of lower energy than some other waves, repeated or excessive exposure could still cause harm (such as affecting brain tissue), according to growing scientific evidence.