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, as they are the type of radiation that can penetrate the least and were detected in the highest counts when no material was filtering them.
Step 2
(ii) 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 a high-energy radiation that can penetrate materials easily. Using lead minimizes the exposure risk to people nearby.
Step 3
(iii) State one source of background radiation.
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Answer
One source of background radiation is radon gas, which naturally occurs in some soils and rock formations.
Step 4
(iv) State two suitable precautions that protect the students.
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Answer
Maintain a safe distance between the students and the radioactive source to minimize exposure.
Use protective clothing and film badges to monitor exposure levels.
Step 5
(i) Calculate the mass of the radon remaining after 8 days. Show your working.
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Answer
Calculating the number of half-lives which pass in 8 days:
Initial mass = 6 mg
After 1 half-life: rac{6}{2} = 3 mg
After 2 half-lives: rac{3}{2} = 1.5 mg.
Mass remaining after 8 days = 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 rocks that release radon gas may be at increased risk of long-term health problems because radon is a known carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to radon, especially in enclosed spaces, can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory issues.
