• X-Ray and gamma rays
• Me Ultrasound
• Me Endoscope
• Can-Do Tasks

Objectives:

• To be able to explain how x-rays and gamma rays are used to form images of the body

Timing: 2 lessons

Last year you looked at the basics of waves. Now you will look at how waves are used to look inside the body without the need to cut the patient open. Make sure you know the meanings of the following words: amplitude, wavelength and frequency and that you know the two different types of waves. What are the differences between the two types.

What is the name given to a person in a hospital who uses radiation?

Gamma rays and x-rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which type of wave are electromagnetic waves?

Last year you looked at how gamma radiation could be used in medicine to sterilise instruments and to treat cancer. If you can't remember, go to: http://www.insidestory.iop.org/insidestory_flash1.html. Why is gamma used? Why is it dangerous?

Beta and gamma radiation can also be used as medical tracers. Find out how this is done. Why isn't alpha used?

X-rays and gamma rays are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum. How are they similar and how are they different? You can use: http://www.darvill.clara.net/emag/index.htm. Also use this site, http://health.howstuffworks.com/x-ray.htm, http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/physics/x-rays/ and  http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/index.pl to find out how x-rays are generated, although the last site has some A-level stuff in it.

Go to: http://www.uhrad.com/kids.htm and have a look at various x-rays.

The following site gives some information on x-ray safety: http://www.hpa.org.uk/.

Your teacher may show you a Medical Physics video on x-rays and gamma rays. It's about 10 years old now but still has some useful stuff in it.

If you are interested in Egyptian mummies, you might like to do some research into how x-rays are used to have a look inside them without damaging them.