A radiation detector is placed on a laboratory bench. It measures a background count rate of 35 counts/minute35\text{ counts/minute}35 counts/minute.
State what is meant by background radiation. Suggest one natural source for it.
A sample containing atoms of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 is removed from its container and brought close to the detector. The average count rate increases to 520 counts/minute520\text{ counts/minute}520 counts/minute.
When sheets of paper are inserted between the sample and the detector, there is almost no change in the average count rate. However, when a 3 mm3\text{ mm}3 mm thick sheet of aluminium is inserted, the average count rate returns to 35 counts/minute35\text{ counts/minute}35 counts/minute.
Carbon-14 is represented by the symbol 614C^{14}_{6}\text{C}614C. It decays to an isotope of nitrogen (N\text{N}N).
Deduce the type of radiation emitted by carbon-14. Explain your answer.
Write down the nuclide equation for the decay of carbon-14.
120 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.3a Radioactive decay. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.