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6 (a) X-rays and radio waves are two examples of electromagnetic waves - OCR - A-Level Physics A - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) X-rays and radio waves are two examples of electromagnetic waves. (i) Name two other examples of electromagnetic waves. ........................................ show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) X-rays and radio waves are two examples of electromagnetic waves - OCR - A-Level Physics A - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
State one similarity and one difference between X-rays and radio waves.
Answer
Similarity: Both X-rays and radio waves are forms of electromagnetic radiation that travel through a vacuum at the speed of light.
Difference: X-rays have a much higher frequency and energy compared to radio waves, which have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies.
Step 3
Explain why X-rays are easily diffracted by layers of atoms, about 2 × 10^{-10} m apart, but radio waves are not.
Answer
X-rays are easily diffracted by layers of atoms because their wavelength is on the same order of magnitude as the distance between the layers (about 2 × 10^{-10} m). This allows X-rays to interact with the atomic structure. In contrast, radio waves have much longer wavelengths, typically several centimeters to meters, making them unable to diffract significantly around the same atomic layers.
Step 4
State one advantage and one disadvantage of UV-B radiation.
Answer
Advantage: UV-B radiation is essential for the production of vitamin D in the skin, which is crucial for bone health.
Disadvantage: Excessive exposure to UV-B radiation can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Step 5