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5.2 Radioactivity

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Question 288

Why is a thin sheet of paper or cardboard sufficient to shield against alpha (α\alphaα) radiation?

A

Alpha particles have low penetrating power and are easily absorbed by thin materials.

B

Paper chemically reacts with alpha particles to neutralize them.

C

Cardboard decreases the half-life of alpha-emitting isotopes.

D

Thin materials reflect alpha particles back towards the radioactive source.

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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