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ANSWERS TO SAQS
Subject: Physics
Unit: Applied Physics Radiology
Topic: Radiology
Level: 3
© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022 1
, Subject: Physics
Unit: Applied Physics Radiology
Topic: Radiology
Level: 3
ANSWERS TO SAQs
SAQ 1:
a) List two examples of particulate radiation.
b) List two examples of electromagnetic radiation.
c) With reference to wavelength and frequency, explain why x-ray
photons have high energy while radio waves have much lower
energy.
d) State one medical application of particulate radiation and one
medical application of electromagnetic radiation.
Answers:
a) Alpha particles and Beta particles are examples of particulate
radiation.
b) X-ray and gamma rays are examples of electromagnetic radiation.
c) X-rays have a very short wavelength and high frequency, properties
that are indicative of high energy, while radio waves have a long
wavelength and lower frequency, which is indicative of low energy.
d) One medical application of particulate radiation is the use of
radioisotopes as tracers in diagnostic imaging. Another example is
the use of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment.
One medical application of electromagnetic radiation is the use of x-
ray photons in imaging (e.g., x-ray and CT scanning). Another
example is the use of gamma rays to treat cancer (e.g., external
beam radiation therapy).
© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022 2
ANSWERS TO SAQS
Subject: Physics
Unit: Applied Physics Radiology
Topic: Radiology
Level: 3
© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022 1
, Subject: Physics
Unit: Applied Physics Radiology
Topic: Radiology
Level: 3
ANSWERS TO SAQs
SAQ 1:
a) List two examples of particulate radiation.
b) List two examples of electromagnetic radiation.
c) With reference to wavelength and frequency, explain why x-ray
photons have high energy while radio waves have much lower
energy.
d) State one medical application of particulate radiation and one
medical application of electromagnetic radiation.
Answers:
a) Alpha particles and Beta particles are examples of particulate
radiation.
b) X-ray and gamma rays are examples of electromagnetic radiation.
c) X-rays have a very short wavelength and high frequency, properties
that are indicative of high energy, while radio waves have a long
wavelength and lower frequency, which is indicative of low energy.
d) One medical application of particulate radiation is the use of
radioisotopes as tracers in diagnostic imaging. Another example is
the use of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment.
One medical application of electromagnetic radiation is the use of x-
ray photons in imaging (e.g., x-ray and CT scanning). Another
example is the use of gamma rays to treat cancer (e.g., external
beam radiation therapy).
© DistanceLearningCentre.com, 2022 2
