MYP Physics · 12 · extended response
Imaging a possible wrist fracture
Electromagnetic spectrum · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- discriminating
- Marks
- 7
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
A clinic is deciding whether an X-ray image is justified for a patient with a painful wrist after a fall. The examination suggests a fracture, but the patient has already had several medical images this year.
- a
Explain Explain why X-rays can reveal a bone fracture more clearly than surrounding soft tissue.
2 marks - b
Distinguish Distinguish the hazard of X-rays from the risk in this particular decision.
2 marks - c
Evaluate Evaluate whether the image should be taken, using both benefit and exposure evidence.
3 marks
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a
Explain Explain why X-rays can reveal a bone fracture more clearly than surrounding soft tissue.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
States that bone absorbs or attenuates more X-rays than most surrounding soft tissue.
- 2
Links the different transmitted intensities to contrast in the detector image.
b
Distinguish Distinguish the hazard of X-rays from the risk in this particular decision.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
Identifies ionising radiation and possible biological damage as the hazard.
- 2
Explains that risk depends on dose, frequency of exposure, shielding, body region, and the probability or consequence of harm.
c
Evaluate Evaluate whether the image should be taken, using both benefit and exposure evidence.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
Uses the diagnostic benefit, such as confirming location or severity and guiding treatment.
- 2
Uses an exposure consideration, including previous imaging while recognising that each justified image should use the lowest suitable dose.
- 3
Gives a balanced conditional conclusion and recognises that a qualified clinician makes the final decision with the patient.
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