5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

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Question 37

A student is using a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube connected to a counter to measure the radiation emitted by a radioactive source.

The count rate, measured over three successive minutes, gives values of:

Minute 1: $counts/minute452\text{ counts/minute}$
Minute 2: $counts/minute433\text{ counts/minute}$
Minute 3: $counts/minute461\text{ counts/minute}$

Explain why a variation like this is to be expected in such an experiment.

[2]

The radioactive source is then put into its lead container and returned to its secure storage. A further measurement is taken over one minute, giving a reading of $counts/minute24\text{ counts/minute}$ .

State the name used for the radioactivity being detected during this minute.

[1]

Suggest two possible natural sources for this radioactivity.

[2]

A student is using a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube connected to a counter to measure the radiation emitted by a radioactive source.

The count rate, measured over three successive minutes, gives values of:

Minute 1: $counts/minute452\text{ counts/minute}$
Minute 2: $counts/minute433\text{ counts/minute}$
Minute 3: $counts/minute461\text{ counts/minute}$

Explain why a variation like this is to be expected in such an experiment.

State the name used for the radioactivity being detected during this minute.

[1]

Suggest two possible natural sources for this radioactivity.

[2]

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

Question 37

Markscheme

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

Question 37

Markscheme

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

Question 37

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate Questions

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate

Question 37

5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate Questions