Edexcel IGCSE Physics 7.16 Dangers of Ionising Radiation Questions

Connect ionising radiation to cell damage, mutations and cancer, then apply those risks to radon, medical tracers, high-altitude flying and radioactive waste.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Physics 4PH1

Exam points

  • Explain how ionising radiation can damage cells or tissue and cause mutations or cancer, including alpha exposure to internal organs after breathing radon.
  • Compare risks to doctors and patients from technetium-99m, considering harmful gamma effects and differences in exposure.
  • Explain why airline pilots limit time at maximum height because cosmic radiation dose and exposure risk increase.
  • Explain the long-term risks of radioactive waste and how secure, durable storage and disposal reduce leakage hazards.
  • Use shielding and elapsed decay to explain why barium-133 in concrete walls no longer poses a significant risk to visitors.

Edexcel IGCSE Physics 7.16 Dangers of Ionising Radiation Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 5]

Some radioactive waste from nuclear power stations has a very long half-life.

Discuss precautions that must be taken when disposing of this radioactive waste.

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