AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2020: Question 6
7 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Identify the position of X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum, state a harmful consequence of X-ray radiation, compare the risk of arm X-ray versus CT scan, convert millisieverts to sieverts, and calculate the percentage of an annual radiation dose due to an X-ray.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
06.1 Figure 10 shows the position of three types of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Figure 10
Which letter represents the position of X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
A B 24C D
A doctor needs to obtain an image of a bone in a patient’s injured arm.
The doctor takes an X-ray of the arm.
06.2 Give one possible harmful consequence of receiving a dose of X-ray radiation.
[1 mark]
Table 3 gives information about two methods of bone imaging.
Table 3
Method Radiation dose in millisieverts
X-ray of arm 0.1
CT scan of arm 6.0
06.3 Compare the risk of harm to the patient of having an X-ray rather than a CT scan.
[2 marks]
06.4 Which of the following is the same as 6.0 millisieverts?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
0.60 sieverts
0.060 sieverts
0.0060 sieverts
0.00060 sieverts
06.5 The patient received a total radiation dose of 2.5 millisieverts during one year.
Calculate the percentage of this dose that came from one X-ray of the arm.
Use the data in Table 3.
[2 marks]
Percentage = %
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 6
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
06.1 D 1 AO1
4.6.2.1
06.2 Any one from: 1 AO1
• mutation (of genes/DNA/ allow can damage OR destroy 4.6.2.1
chromosomes) genes/DNA/chromosomes
ignore damage/destroy cells/
tissues/organs
ignore mutates cells
• cancer/tumour
• cell death allow kills cells
06.3 the risk of harm is lower from 1 AO3
the X-ray 4.6.2.3
by a factor of 60 1
06.4 0.0060 sieverts 1 AO1
4.6.2.3
06.5 0.1 1 AO2
× 100
2.5 4.6.2.3
4 (%) 1
allow 0.04 for 1 mark
Total 7
How to answer it
Electromagnetic Spectrum and Radiation Doses Study Guide
What this question tests
This question assesses your knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum order, the biological hazards of ionising radiation, interpreting data from tables to compare radiation risks, unit conversions (millisieverts to sieverts), and calculating percentages.
Locating X-rays in the EM Spectrum
✅ Correct Answer
Tick box D [1 mark]
💡 Key Knowledge
- The full EM spectrum in order of increasing frequency (decreasing wavelength) is: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays.
- X-rays sit directly between ultraviolet/visible regions and gamma rays at the high-frequency end.
🧠 Exam Technique
Memorise the standard EM spectrum acronym or mnemonic (e.g., "Roman Men In Very Unusual X-ray Glasses") to quickly recall the order from low to high frequency.
Harmful Consequences of X-ray Radiation
✅ Correct Answer
Any one of the following [1 mark]:
- Mutation (of genes / DNA / chromosomes)
- Cancer / tumour
- Cell death
❌ Common Errors
Examiners note that students often lose this mark by being too vague or biologically inaccurate. You cannot just say "damage cells" or "damage tissue" — you must specify mutation of DNA/genes, cancer, or cell death.
Comparing Radiation Risks
✅ Correct Answer
- The risk of harm is lower from the X-ray [1 mark]
- By a factor of 60 [1 mark]
📐 Working Out the Factor
To find how many times smaller the X-ray dose is compared to the CT scan, divide the larger value by the smaller value:
6.0 mSv ÷ 0.1 mSv = 60
🧠 Exam Technique
When questions ask you to "compare", make sure you state direction (lower/higher) and quantify it using the data from the table (calculating ratios or differences).
Unit Conversion: Millisieverts to Sieverts
✅ Correct Answer
Tick box: 0.0060 sieverts [1 mark]
💡 Key Knowledge
The prefix milli means one thousandth (divide by 1,000 or ×10⁻³).
6.0 ÷ 1000 = 0.0060 Sv
❌ Common Errors
Moving the decimal point the wrong way or dividing by 100 instead of 1,000 leads to incorrect answers like 0.060.
Calculating Percentage Dose
✅ Correct Answer
Percentage = 4 (%) [2 marks]
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify values: X-ray dose = 0.1 mSv, Total annual dose = 2.5 mSv.
- Set up fraction: (Part ÷ Whole) × 100
- (0.1 ÷ 2.5) × 100
- Calculate final value: 0.04 × 100 = 4%
❌ Common Errors & Mark Scheme Note
If you calculate 0.1 ÷ 2.5 = 0.04 but forget to multiply by 100, the mark scheme allows 1 mark for correctly calculating 0.04. Don't miss the final step of converting a decimal to a percentage!
Topics
Physics · P4: Atomic Structure · P6: Waves
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2020. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.