Detection of radioactivity
5.2.1What the syllabus asks of you
- Describe the detection of alpha particles (α-particles) using a cloud chamber or spark counter and the detection of beta particles (β-particles) (β-particles will be taken to refer to β−) and gamma radiation (γ-radiation) by using a Geiger-Müller tube and counter
- Use count rate measured in counts / s or counts / minute
- Know what is meant by background radiation
- Know the sources that make a significant contribution to background radiation including: (a) radon gas (in the air) (b) rocks and buildings (c) food and drink (d) cosmic rays
- Use measurements of background radiation to determine a corrected count rate
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Chapter 5: Detection of radioactivity
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Every question on Detection of radioactivity, untimed, marked as you go.
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2 questions
1May / June 2026 · Paper 11 · Q35Show mark scheme →
A$C_2 - C_1$
B$C_2 + C_1$
C$\frac{C_2 - C_1}{2.0}$
D$\frac{C_2 + C_1}{2.0}$
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2May / June 2024 · Paper 11 · Q38Show mark scheme →
Aa thick sheet of lead placed between the source and the detector
Ba strong magnetic field placed between the source and the detector
Cthe radioactive source moved closer to the detector
Dthe detector moved further away from the radioactive source
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