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A scientist uses a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of a sample - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 2
A scientist uses a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of a sample. She writes down the results in her notebook. The Geiger counter gives a count rate of 12... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A scientist uses a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of a sample - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
What should she write down for the count rate of this sample?
Answer
The count rate measured by the Geiger counter is 120 counts per minute. To determine the count rate above background radiation, we need to subtract the average background radiation of 10 counts per minute from this measurement:
Therefore, she should write down option B, which is 110 counts per minute.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why some people are exposed to more background radiation than others.
Answer
Some people may be exposed to more background radiation due to various factors such as their geographical location, occupational exposure, or lifestyle choices. For instance, individuals living at higher altitudes receive more cosmic rays, while those working in industries involving radioactive materials may experience increased exposure. Additionally, certain medical procedures, such as X-rays, can also contribute to higher personal exposure.