Why are some electromagnetic waves harmful to humans?

Electromagnetic (EM) waves form the electromagnetic spectrum with a range of wavelengths. EM waves that have wavelengths shorter than those of visible light include ultraviolet light, X rays and gamma rays, all of which are harmful to humans. This is because they are forms of ionising radiation, meaning that they ionise atoms in human tissue which they are incident on. For example, DNA may be damaged by the radiation, leading to sickness or increasing the chance of cancer due to genetic mutations. Very high doses of radiation can cause immediate skin burning or worse. The severity of the effect of the dose is measured in sieverts (Sv) and depends on the size of the dose and the type of radiation.

Answered by Keval H. Physics tutor

5430 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the power dissipated by a 12 Ohm resistor when 2A of current run through it?


When should you use the SUVAT equations?


A speaker emits a sound wave through a metallic block, with a speed of 0.42 km/s, and a frequency of 16kHz. Calculate the wavelength to 3.s.f. Describe the characteristics of a longitudinal wave.


A 10kg cube of iron with length 5cm is resting on a table surface. Assuming the acceleration under gravity of the block is 9.81ms^(-2), what is the pressure on the table?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences