Radiation Effects Unit Test
You inspect a bottle of sunscreen to see what radiation it claims to block. You are looking for sunscreen that blocks dangerous radiation from the sun but does not make claims about other types of radiation. Which claim on a bottle would best meet these criteria?
"Blocks harmful UVA and UVB radiation."
UVC is very dangerous ultraviolet light that is blocked by the atmosphere. Ten minutes of exposure to UVC with a wavelength of 150 nm would do measurable damage to human cells. Which of the following exposures would likely reduce the effects to 20% of that damage?
2 minutes of exposure to UVC (150 nm).
What type of source would provide you with the most reliable information on gas efficiency in a new car model?
A peer-reviewed study by university researchers.
Sunscreen is important for small children and adults, to prevent UV radiation from the sun from damaging cells. Which comparison would be the most important consideration when predicting the effects of sunlight on small children based on studies with adults?
Cells repair themselves much faster in small children than adults.
Why is it that medical professionals do not promote exposure to ultraviolet light from a tanning bed or from the sun?
Exposure can damage skin.
Which statement correctly describes how a tanning bed machine works?
It delivers an ionizing electromagnetic radiation called ultraviolet light.
Imagine researchers wanted to test different brands of sunscreen on pigs. Which of the comparisons would have the greatest effect on our ability to predict the efficacy of the sunscreen on humans?
Pigs and humans have similar amounts of hair covering their bodies.
Tanning beds expose the body to a certain type of ultraviolet (UV) light. It has been claimed that this helps the body manufacture its needed vitamin D. Which evidence contradicts this claim?
The body needs UVB light, and tanning beds deliver UVA light.
What properties of X-rays and gamma rays make them the forms of electromagnetic radiation with the most energy?
They have high frequencies and short wavelengths.
Which description fits a type of electromagnetic radiation that could harm living cells?
electromagnetic waves with very short wavelengths
People are exposed to radio waves 24 hours a day with little to no effect on our cells. Which situation would likely cause a higher risk to people?
exposure to radiation with a much higher frequency
Which form of energy might be able to penetrate through a thin lead vest?
gamma rays
If information is _______, it is valid. If it is _______, it is reliable.
logical; reproducible
A research study is valid if the researchers are __________.
objective and logical
When you are conducting your own investigations, what is a good way to ensure your results are reliable?
repeat the investigation multiple times
Studies show that matter absorbs various types of electromagnetic radiation depending on the frequency and amount of energy they carry. Which sequence of types of electromagnetic radiation is arranged from that with the least to the most energetic photons?
visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays
