A student watches a radioactivity demonstration - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 2
A student watches a radioactivity demonstration.
The demonstration uses this arrangement.
The teacher puts different materials in the holder.
Then she measures the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student watches a radioactivity demonstration - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
(i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✖) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
The correct answer is A: alpha particles. Alpha particles are the heaviest of the three types of radiation and can be blocked by paper or skin, which aligns with the given detector reading.
Step 2
(ii) Suggest why the box is lined with lead.
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Answer
The box is lined with lead to provide protection against gamma radiation, which is highly penetrating. Lead serves as a barrier to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful radiation.
Step 3
(iii) State one source of background radiation.
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One source of background radiation is cosmic rays, which originate from outer space and constantly bombard the Earth.
Step 4
(iv) State two suitable precautions that protect the students.
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Answer
Maintain a safe distance between the radioactive source and the students to minimize exposure.
Use protective clothing, such as lab coats, to shield students from potential radiation.
Step 5
(i) Calculate the mass of the radon remaining after 8 days. Show your working.
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Answer
The half-life of radon is 4 days, so after 8 days (which is two half-lives), the remaining mass can be calculated as follows:
After 4 days:
6extmg÷2=3extmg
After another 4 days:
3extmg÷2=1.5extmg
Thus, the mass remaining after 8 days is 1.5 mg.
Step 6
(ii) Explain why people living in these places may have an increased risk of long-term health problems.
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Answer
People living in areas with high levels of radon gas exposure are at an increased risk of long-term health problems, particularly lung cancer. Inhalation of radon decay products can lead to cellular damage within the lungs over prolonged exposure, increasing the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases.
