GCSE Edexcel Physics Combined Science Half-life: 2. Figure 3 shows a Geiger-Mülle

2. Figure 3 shows a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube used for measuring radioactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1

Question 2

2. Figure 3 shows a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube used for measuring radioactivity. (a) Describe how a teacher should use a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube to compare the count-r... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:2. Figure 3 shows a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube used for measuring radioactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1

Step 1

Describe how a teacher should use a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube to compare the count-rates from two different radioactive rocks.

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Answer

To effectively use a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube, the teacher should follow these steps:

Setup: Place the Geiger-Müller tube in proximity to the two different radioactive rocks, ensuring they are not positioned ‘in’ the tube but are close enough for accurate readings.
Measuring Count Rates: Measure the count rates separately for each rock over the same time period, for example, 1 minute.
Consistency in Measurements: Maintain a consistent distance between the source of the radioactivity (the rocks) and the Geiger-Müller tube during the measurements.
Background Count: Take into account or measure the background radiation to ensure that the readings are accurate and reflect only the radioactivity from the rocks.
Repeat Measurements: To obtain reliable data, repeat the count for each rock multiple times and take averages of the readings.

Step 2

Complete the graph on Figure 4, as accurately as possible, to show how the count-rate from this isotope will change from the time of the first measurement.

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Answer

To complete the graph:

Start the graph at 80 cpm at time 0 hours, the initial measurement point.
After one half-life (6 hours), plot the point at 40 cpm.
After the second half-life (12 hours), plot the point at 20 cpm.
After the third half-life (18 hours), plot the point at 10 cpm.
Connect the points using a smooth, decreasing curve, indicating a gradual decay in count rate over time.

Step 3

Complete the following nuclear equation: $$\frac{99}{42}Mo \rightarrow Tc + \beta^0$$

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Answer

The completed nuclear equation is:

$\frac{99}{42}Mo \rightarrow \frac{99}{43}Tc + \beta^0$

2. Figure 3 shows a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube used for measuring radioactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:2. Figure 3 shows a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube used for measuring radioactivity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1

Describe how a teacher should use a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube to compare the count-rates from two different radioactive rocks.

Complete the graph on Figure 4, as accurately as possible, to show how the count-rate from this isotope will change from the time of the first measurement.

Complete the following nuclear equation: $$\frac{99}{42}Mo \rightarrow Tc + \beta^0$$

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