Explain what is meant by background radiation.
Suggest how background radiation can be detected.
Radium-226 (88226Ra^{226}_{88}\text{Ra}88226Ra) is a radioactive element. Complete the table below to show the number of each type of particle in a neutral atom of 88226Ra^{226}_{88}\text{Ra}88226Ra.
| Type of particle | Number |
|---|---|
| electron | |
| neutron | |
| proton |
Alpha particles are emitted when radium-226 decays.
Select the correct symbol for an alpha particle from the list: α\alphaα, β\betaβ, γ\gammaγ.
From what part of the radium-226 atom is the alpha particle emitted?
Complete the table below to show the composition of an alpha particle.
| Type of particle | Number |
|---|---|
| electron | |
| neutron | |
| proton |
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.