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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. 1... 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
Given that the half-life of cobalt-60 is 5 years, after 10 years, two half-lives will have occurred.
Starting mass = 16.0 mg
After one half-life (5 years): ext{Remaining mass} = rac{16.0 ext{ mg}}{2} = 8.0 ext{ mg}
After the second half-life (10 years): ext{Remaining mass} = rac{8.0 ext{ mg}}{2} = 4.0 ext{ mg}
Thus, the mass of cobalt-60 remaining after 10 years is 4.0 mg.
Step 3
Explain why this could be dangerous to the workers.
Answer
Workers at a nuclear power station could be exposed to radiation that has the potential to ionize cells in the body. This ionization can lead to cellular damage or mutations, increasing the risk of cancer over time. Prolonged or high exposure to radiation can cause serious health issues, including radiation sickness.