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5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

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Question 2

A student holds a radioactive source near a radiation detector.

The reading on the detector is 450 counts/min450\text{ counts/min}450 counts/min.

The detector is switched on again after the source has been removed, and it shows a reading of 25 counts/min25\text{ counts/min}25 counts/min.

What is the count rate solely due to the source, and why is there a reading on the detector when there is no radioactive source present?

A

Count rate: 425 counts/min425\text{ counts/min}425 counts/min; Reason: background radiation

B

Count rate: 425 counts/min425\text{ counts/min}425 counts/min; Reason: zero error on detector

C

Count rate: 475 counts/min475\text{ counts/min}475 counts/min; Reason: background radiation

D

Count rate: 475 counts/min475\text{ counts/min}475 counts/min; Reason: zero error on detector

Markscheme

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

44 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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