Radio Waves and Applications

Question 7 • NC-Physical Science CR 2024

Which best explains why an MRI is useful for diagnosing cancer but ineffective in treating it?

Answer

The frequency of the radio waves used is so high that the waves cannot be used to target specific cells.

The wavelength of the radio waves used is so short that the waves cannot be used to target specific cells.

The amount of energy carried by radio waves is enough to provide images but not enough to kill cells.

The amount of energy carried by radio waves is so high that it provides images but can also damage cells.

Explanation

An MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce images of tissues inside the body. Radio waves are non-ionizing and carry too little energy to kill cancer cells, so MRI can help detect and diagnose cancer but does not treat it. Thus, choice C is correct: the energy is enough for imaging but not enough to kill cells.

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