Radioactivity 9a Questions

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Questions

Q1.

Potassium-40 (40K) is a radioactive isotope. 40K can decay by β– emission.

(a) Complete the nuclear equation for the decay of 40K by β– emission.

(2)
(b) Occasionally 40K decays by emitting a β+ particle.

Give two similarities between a β+ particle and a β- particle.


(2)
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(c) A fertiliser contains potassium chloride. The activity of a sample of the fertiliser due to radioactive
potassium was 48.6 Bq.
It is claimed that the time t taken for the activity of the sample to fall below the background count rate
would be more than 9 × 109 years.
Deduce whether this claim is correct.
background count rate = 0.42 Bq
half-life of 40K = 1.25 × 109 years
(3)
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(Total for question = 7 marks)

Q2.

Answer the question with a cross in the box you think is correct . If you change your mind
about an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross .
A radiation detector is placed near a radioactive source and measures the count rate from the source.
Different absorbers are placed between the detector and the source. The results are shown in the table.

Which of the following is emitted by the source?

A α-radiation only

B β-radiation only

C α-radiation and β-radiation

D β-radiation and γ-radiation

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q3.

The penetration of matter by radiation depends on the ionising power of the radiation.

Which of the following statements is correct?


A α-particles are weakly ionising so they are stopped by thin paper.
B α-particles are highly ionising so they only travel a few centimetres in air.
C γ-radiation is highly ionising so it is highly penetrating.
D γ-radiation is weakly ionising so it is not very penetrating.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Q4.

Select one answer from A to D and put a cross in the box . If you change your mind about an
answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross .

A student investigates the absorption of gamma radiation by lead. She determines the background
radiation count rate before she starts the investigation.

Which of the following would not affect her value for the background count rate?
A the place where she made the measurement
B the temperature of the surroundings
C the time interval for the background count
D the type of radiation detector she used

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