BMAT 2013 Section 2 Question 3

Microwave, X-ray and infra-red radiation can all damage living tissues.

Which of the following statements correctly explain why this damage occurs?

  1. Microwaves cause damage because they are absorbed by water molecules.
  2. X-rays cause damage because of their ionising ability.
  3. Infra-red waves cause damage because of their ability to penetrate matter.

Answer:

1 – Microwaves do get absorbed by water molecules. An example of this when water molecules in food absorb microwaves from the microwave oven and heat up the food.

2 – The ionising properties of X rays means that they can damage the DNA in the cells of the human body.

3 – Infra red waves do not penetrate matter

Only statements 1 and 2 are correct so D is correct

Sami Qamar

I’m Sami Qamar. I’m a YouTuber, Blogger, and first year med student.

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