Using X-Rays

Question 1

What is the inverse square law?

Answer 1

The area increases with the square of distance so intensity decreases with the square of distance. For example, at twice the distance from the source of intensity is one quarter as much because the area is four times greater.

Question 2

What are the risks of x-rays in medicine?

Answer 2

• x-rays can kill and damage living cells

- risks are greater for babies and young children so exposure is kept to a minimum

Question 3

What are the benefits of x-rays in medicine?

Answer 3

• x-rays can help to give a reliable diagnosis and make sure treatment is fast and accurate
• x-rays are non-invasive. (This means that the patient does not have to have an operation to see what’s happening in their body)