A scientist wants to absorb all the beta (β\betaβ) particles emitted by a radioactive source, while allowing most of the gamma (γ\gammaγ) radiation also emitted by the source to pass through.
Which of the following is the most suitable shield to place in front of the source?
A sheet of paper
A 5 mm thick plate of aluminium
A 5 cm thick block of lead
A thin layer of plastic wrap
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.