A radioactive source produces a count rate on a detector of 2400 counts/s2400\text{ counts/s}2400 counts/s. After 60 hours60\text{ hours}60 hours, the count rate has fallen to 75 counts/s75\text{ counts/s}75 counts/s. Both count rates have been corrected for background radiation. What is the half-life of the source?
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.