Complete the missing entries (i) to (iv) in the table showing the properties of different types of radiation:
| Type of radiation | Number of protons | Number of neutrons | Charge / C\text{C}C | Stopped by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| α\alphaα | 2 | (i) | +3.2×10−19+3.2 \times 10^{-19}+3.2×10−19 | thin sheet of paper |
| β\betaβ | (ii) | 0 | (iii) | thin sheet of aluminium |
| γ\gammaγ | 0 | 0 | 0 | (iv) |
State how β\betaβ-decay changes the nucleus of an atom.
A radiation detector used in a laboratory detects a background count rate of 35 counts/min35\text{ counts/min}35 counts/min. A radioactive source is placed in front of the radiation detector. The initial reading on the detector is 835 counts/min835\text{ counts/min}835 counts/min. The half-life of the source is 20 minutes20\text{ minutes}20 minutes.
Calculate the expected reading on the detector after 80 minutes80\text{ minutes}80 minutes.
State two safety precautions taken when moving, using, or storing radioactive sources in a laboratory.
134 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.