Physics 5054 · O Level · Radioactivity

Radioactivity — practice question

Carbon-14 is one isotope of carbon, and its radioactive decay has a half-life of 6000 years.
(a)[2]

Describe what occurs during radioactive decay.

(b)[2]

On Fig. 10.1, sketch a graph showing how the count rate changes over the next 24 000 years.

(c)[2]

Name the apparatus used to measure the radiation from the sample of wood and explain how it is used to measure the count rate.

(d)[2]

Describe how the count rate from a sample of wood is used to determine its age.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The nucleus is the source of the emission.

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