Ultrasound is used to scan unborn babies but X-rays are not used to scan unborn babies.

Ultrasound is not ionising as it is a longitudinal wave whilst X-rays are ionising as they are transverse waves and have very high frequency hence can 'knock' electrons out of their orbit. Doing this can cause mutations in the cells of the baby and potentially cause cancer.

SA
Answered by Saram A. Physics tutor

13157 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?


How much thermal energy does a 1 kg steel block with a specific heat capacity of 450 J/kg°C lose when it cools from 400°C to 60°C?


Describe one method by which the distance to stars from Earth is measured, and one modern improvement to this method which increases its accuracy.


What's the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning