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This lesson covers the hazards associated with different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation, and the safety precautions used to reduce risk, as required by the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification (1SC0).
EM waves can be classified as ionising or non-ionising based on their energy and their ability to remove electrons from atoms (ionisation).
| Category | EM Waves | Energy | Effect on Atoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-ionising | Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light | Lower | Cannot remove electrons from atoms; mainly cause heating |
| Ionising | Ultraviolet (higher energy UV), X-rays, gamma rays | Higher | Can remove electrons from atoms; can damage DNA and cause mutations |
Ionisation is the process where radiation has enough energy to knock an electron out of an atom, turning it into an ion. This can:
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