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
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
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Answer
The radiation from the source is
A alpha particles
This is because alpha particles have a high energy and can be detected effectively in these conditions.
Step 2
Suggest why the box is lined with lead.
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Answer
The box is lined with lead to absorb gamma radiation, which is highly penetrating and can pose a health risk; thus, the lead ensures safety by preventing radiation exposure.
Step 3
State one source of background radiation.
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One source of background radiation is cosmic rays from outer space.
Step 4
State two suitable precautions that protect the students.
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Answer
Maintain a safe distance from the radioactive source to minimize exposure.
Use protective clothing, such as lab coats, to reduce the risk of contamination.
Step 5
Calculate the mass of the radon remaining after 8 days.
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Answer
To calculate the remaining mass of radon after 8 days:
Half-lives of radon after 8 days: 8extdaysext(totaltime)÷4extdaysext(half−life)=2exthalf−lives
Starting mass of radon: 6 mg.
After 1st half-life (4 days): 6extmg÷2=3extmg
After 2nd half-life (8 days): 3extmg÷2=1.5extmg
Therefore, the mass remaining after 8 days is 1.5 mg.
Step 6
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 rocks that release radon gas may have an increased risk of long-term health problems due to prolonged exposure to alpha radiation from radon decay, which can lead to lung cancer or other respiratory diseases.
