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5.2 Radioactivity

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Question 20

Which of the following is the primary reason why thick containers made of lead are used to store radioactive isotopes that emit gamma radiation?

A

Lead is a highly dense material that absorbs high-energy, penetrating radiation.

B

Lead acts to decrease the half-life of radioactive isotopes, making them stable more quickly.

C

Lead chemically neutralizes the emitted radiation, converting it into harmless heat.

D

Lead reflects the radiation back into the source, stopping the radioactive decay process entirely.

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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