Physics 5054 · O Level · Radioactivity

Radioactivity — practice question

A teacher performs a radioactivity experiment with the apparatus shown in Fig. 11.1. Count rate is found by measuring the count in one minute.
(a(i))[1]

State the name of one kind of radiation detector.

(a(ii))[1]

State one safety precaution that the teacher has to take when handling a radioactive source.

(b(i))[1]

State the meaning of random in time.

(b(ii))[2]

Describe how the apparatus is used to demonstrate that the emissions are random in time.

(c(i))[1]

State the meaning of background radiation.

(c(ii))[2]

Describe how the count rate is adjusted for background radiation.

(d(i))[1]

Determine the greatest distance the radiation travels in air.

(d(ii))[2]

State which type of radiation is emitted by the radioactive source, and justify your answer.

(d(iii))[1]

As the radiation from the source moves through the air, it causes ionisation. Describe what is meant by ionisation of the air.

(e)[3]

The half-life of a second radioactive source is $40\,\text{minutes}$. At the start, the corrected count rate from this source is $300\,\text{counts/min}$. On Fig. 11.3, plot suitable points and draw a graph showing how the corrected count rate changes with time.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Geiger-Müller tube / counter

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