Physics 5054 · O Level · Radioactivity

Radioactivity — practice question

A radioactive source is positioned $2.0\text{ cm}$ from a Geiger-Müller (G.M.) tube linked to a counter. A sheet of paper is inserted between the source and the G.M. tube. The counter reading falls, but it remains above the background radiation count rate. The paper is then replaced with a sheet of aluminium, and the count rate falls to the background radiation count rate. What radiation is emitted by the source?

  • Aalpha-particles ($\alpha$-particles), beta-particles ($\beta$-particles) and gamma radiation ($\gamma$-radiation)
  • Balpha-particles ($\alpha$-particles) and beta-particles ($\beta$-particles) only
  • Calpha-particles ($\alpha$-particles) and gamma radiation ($\gamma$-radiation) only
  • Dbeta-particles ($\beta$-particles) and gamma radiation ($\gamma$-radiation) only

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 1-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI