In a laboratory, a detector of ionising radiation records an average background count rate of 15 counts/s15\text{ counts/s}15 counts/s.
A radioactive source is now placed close to the detector. The count rate on the detector rises to 320 counts/s320\text{ counts/s}320 counts/s.
What is the count rate due to radiation from the radioactive source?
21.3 counts/s21.3\text{ counts/s}21.3 counts/s
305 counts/s305\text{ counts/s}305 counts/s
320 counts/s320\text{ counts/s}320 counts/s
335 counts/s335\text{ counts/s}335 counts/s
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.