The count rate from a sample of radioactive material is measured every 15 minutes for 1.5 hours.
The results, suitably corrected for background radiation, are shown in the table below:
| Time / min\text{min}min | 0 | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 | 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count rate / counts/s\text{counts/s}counts/s | 400 | 295 | 220 | 165 | 120 | 90 | 65 |
Suggest one possible source for the background radiation.
Name the two types of particle that the radioactive material might be emitting.
From the table, without attempting a graph, estimate the half-life of the radioactive material.
A similar experiment is carried out, using a smaller quantity of the same radioactive material. State what effect, if any, this has on: (i) the count rate readings in the table, (ii) the half-life of the material.
State one precaution that should be taken for safe handling of the radioactive material.
144 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.4a Half-life. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.