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 determine the count rate due to the radioactive sample, we need to account for the background radiation. The count rate due to the sample is calculated using the formula:

$\text{Count Rate Due to Sample} = \text{Measured Count Rate} - \text{Background Count Rate}$

Substituting in the values:

$\text{Count Rate Due to Sample} = 130 \text{ counts per minute} - 10 \text{ counts per minute} = 120 \text{ counts per minute}$

Therefore, the answer is B 120 counts per minute.

Step 2

State one source of background radiation.

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Answer

One source of background radiation is cosmic rays from outer space.

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