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Using radioactive materials (a) Radioactive materials are used in nuclear power stations to generate electricity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Using radioactive materials (a) Radioactive materials are used in nuclear power stations to generate electricity. State two other uses of radioactive materials.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using radioactive materials (a) Radioactive materials are used in nuclear power stations to generate electricity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Calculate the mass of cobalt-60 remaining after 10 years.
Answer
To determine the remaining mass of cobalt-60 after 10 years, we can use the concept of half-lives. Since the half-life of cobalt-60 is 5 years, after 10 years, two half-lives will have passed.
Initial mass = 16.0 mg
After the first half-life (5 years):
Mass remaining = ( \frac{16.0}{2} = 8.0 \text{ mg} )
After the second half-life (10 years):
Mass remaining = ( \frac{8.0}{2} = 4.0 \text{ mg} )
Thus, the remaining mass of cobalt-60 after 10 years is 4.0 mg.
Step 3
Explain why this could be dangerous to the workers.
Answer
Exposure to radiation can lead to serious health risks for workers. Radiation can ionize atoms in human cells, potentially causing damage to DNA. This damage may result in cancer or other radiation-induced illnesses over time. Additionally, high levels of exposure can lead to acute radiation sickness, which can be life-threatening.