1. Unit 3
AQA GCSE Physics

2. Medical Applications of Physics
X-rays
Ultra-sound
Lenses
The Eye
Other Applications using Light

3. 1. X-Rays

4. What are X-rays? X-rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
They have a very short wavelength and cause ionisation.
What is ionisation?
Do X-rays have a large or a small frequency?

5. What are X-rays used to do?
X-rays are used to diagnose and treat some medical conditions.

6. Bone Fractures

7. Dental Problems – Wisdom Tooth

8. Killing Cancer Cells

9. Properties of X-Rays They are absorbed by metal and bone.
They are transmitted by healthy tissue.
They affect photographic film in the same way as light.
Their wavelength is the same order of magnitude as the diameter of an atom.

10. Photographic Film Image

11. Charge Coupled Device (CCD)
X-rays can be formed electronically using CCDs.
They are silicon chips that are divided up into millions of identical pixels.
CCDs detect X-rays and produce electrical signals which are used to form high resolution images.

12. CT Scans
A computerised tomography (CT) scan, also known as a CAT scan, uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body.

13. CT Scan Examples

14. Whole Body CT Scan – with contrast media

15. Patient videos for patients
What to expect from a CT scan.
Patient education video.

16. Precautions when using X-ray machines and CT machines
Radiographers
Wear lead aprons
Stand behind a lead screen
Leave the room
And……… Lead is used to shield the parts of the body that aren’t being scanned.
And……..exposure time is kept to a minimum.