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5.2 Radioactivity

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Question 39

An experiment is performed to measure the radiation from a radioactive source. The source has a half-life of 12 minutes12\text{ minutes}12 minutes.

The source is placed close to a detector connected to a counter. The average background count rate is 40 counts/minute40\text{ counts/minute}40 counts/minute.

At the start of the experiment, the total count rate recorded by the counter is 1640 counts/minute1640\text{ counts/minute}1640 counts/minute.

What is the total count rate recorded by the counter 24 minutes24\text{ minutes}24 minutes later?

A

400 counts/minute400\text{ counts/minute}400 counts/minute

B

410 counts/minute410\text{ counts/minute}410 counts/minute

C

440 counts/minute440\text{ counts/minute}440 counts/minute

D

840 counts/minute840\text{ counts/minute}840 counts/minute

Markscheme

5.2 Radioactivity Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.2 Radioactivity

484 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2 Radioactivity, covering 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate, 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission, 5.2.2b Deflection and ionising effects of nuclear radiation, 5.2.3a Radioactive decay, 5.2.3b Effects of decay on the nucleus and decay equations, 5.2.4a Half-life, 5.2.4b Choosing isotopes for applications, and 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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