A scientist investigates a radioactive sample. She measures a count rate of 130 counts per minute. The average background radiation count rate in her laboratory is 10 counts per minute. (i) What is the count rate due to this sample? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. A 13 counts per minute B 120 counts per minute C 140 counts per minute D 1300 counts per minute (ii) State one source of background radiation.

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A scientist investigates a radioactive sample - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1

Question 2

A scientist investigates a radioactive sample. She measures a count rate of 130 counts per minute. The average background radiation count rate in her laboratory is... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A scientist investigates a radioactive sample - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1

Step 1

What is the count rate due to this sample?

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Answer

To find the count rate due to the radioactive sample, we need to subtract the average background radiation from the measured count rate of the sample. The calculation is as follows:

Measured count rate = 130 counts per minute Average background radiation = 10 counts per minute

Count rate due to the sample = 130 - 10 = 120 counts per minute.

Thus, the count rate due to the sample is 120 counts per minute, which corresponds to option B.

Step 2

State one source of background radiation.

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Answer

One source of background radiation is cosmic rays, which originate from outer space and interact with the Earth's atmosphere.

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