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A scientist uses a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of a sample - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 2
A scientist uses a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of a sample. She writes down the results in her notebook. The Geiger counter gives a count rate of 12... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A scientist uses a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of a sample - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
What should she write down for the count rate of this sample?
Answer
To determine the count rate, we must account for the background radiation. The count rate recorded by the Geiger counter is 120 counts per minute. We need to subtract the average background radiation level (10 counts per minute) from this value:
Count rate of the sample = 120 counts per minute - 10 counts per minute = 110 counts per minute.
Thus, she should select option B: 110 counts per minute.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why some people are exposed to more background radiation than others.
Answer
Some people may be exposed to more background radiation due to geographical location, where they might live in areas with higher natural radioactivity, such as near uranium mines. Additionally, certain occupations, such as working in hospitals or nuclear power plants, may expose individuals to higher levels of radiation due to their work environment.