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5.2 Radioactivity

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Question 291

A radioactive source is placed in front of a radiation detector.

  • With nothing between the source and the detector, the registered count rate is 35 000 counts/min35\,000 \text{ counts/min}35000 counts/min.
  • When a sheet of paper is placed between them, the count rate remains at 35 000 counts/min35\,000 \text{ counts/min}35000 counts/min.
  • When a 5 mm thick sheet of aluminium replaces the paper, the count rate decreases to 27 000 counts/min27\,000 \text{ counts/min}27000 counts/min.
  • When a thick lead block replaces the aluminium sheet, the count rate decreases to 2 000 counts/min2\,000 \text{ counts/min}2000 counts/min.

What radiation is being emitted by the source?

A

α\alphaα, β\betaβ, and γ\gammaγ radiation

B

α\alphaα and β\betaβ radiation only

C

α\alphaα and γ\gammaγ radiation only

D

β\betaβ and γ\gammaγ radiation only

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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