6 (a) (i) One source of background radiation is radon gas. State another source of background radiation. (ii) Which of these two statements about background radiation are correct? 1 Radon gas from nuclear power stations is the main cause of background radiation. 2 Background radiation can be detected during radioactive experiments. A statement 1 only B statement 2 only C both statement 1 and statement 2 D neither statement 1 nor statement 2 (iii) Background radiation from radon gas is different from place to place in the UK. Explain these differences in background radiation. (b) Scientists have changed their ideas about the hazards from radioactive sources. Describe how their ideas have changed since radioactivity was first discovered.

GCSE Edexcel Physics Changing ideas about universe: 6 (a) (i) One source of backgrou

6 (a) (i) One source of background radiation is radon gas - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1

Question 6

6 (a) (i) One source of background radiation is radon gas. State another source of background radiation. (ii) Which of these two statements about background radiat... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) (i) One source of background radiation is radon gas - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1

Step 1

State another source of background radiation.

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Answer

Another source of background radiation is living things, such as plants and animals, as they naturally emit radiation due to their radioactive isotopes.

Step 2

Which of these two statements about background radiation are correct?

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Answer

The correct answer is B: statement 2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect because radon gas is not primarily attributed to nuclear power stations; instead, it mainly comes from the decay of uranium found in the ground.

Step 3

Explain these differences in background radiation.

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Answer

Background radiation from radon gas varies in different locations due to geological differences, mainly in the amount of uranium and thorium present in the soil and rocks. Areas with more of these elements will have higher levels of radon gas, leading to increased background radiation levels.

Step 4

Describe how their ideas have changed since radioactivity was first discovered.

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Answer

Initially, scientists viewed radioactivity as a benign phenomenon, underestimating its potential hazards. Over time, as research revealed the health risks associated with radiation exposure, including cancer and genetic mutations, the perspective shifted to recognizing the need for safety measures, regulation, and protection from radioactive sources. The understanding of radiation's long-term effects has also evolved, leading to stricter guidelines for handling and exposure.

6 (a) (i) One source of background radiation is radon gas - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) (i) One source of background radiation is radon gas - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2012 - Paper 1

State another source of background radiation.

Which of these two statements about background radiation are correct?

Explain these differences in background radiation.

Describe how their ideas have changed since radioactivity was first discovered.

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