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4(a)(i) When cobalt-60 decays it releases high energy gamma rays - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
4(a)(i) When cobalt-60 decays it releases high energy gamma rays. Which of these is a correct use of gamma rays? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. ☐ A... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4(a)(i) When cobalt-60 decays it releases high energy gamma rays - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
When cobalt-60 decays it releases high energy gamma rays. Which of these is a correct use of gamma rays?
Answer
The correct answer is C: sterilising hospital equipment. Gamma rays are commonly used in the medical field to sterilise equipment due to their ability to kill bacteria and viruses effectively.
Step 2
Explain why gamma rays are dangerous.
Answer
Gamma rays are dangerous because they have high energy and can penetrate most materials, including human tissue. Exposure to gamma rays can lead to DNA damage and increase the risk of cancer, as they can disrupt cellular processes. Additionally, they can cause burns and radiation sickness in high doses.
Step 3
A sample of nuclear waste contains 2.0 mg of cobalt-60. The half-life of cobalt-60 is 5 years. Calculate the mass of cobalt-60 remaining after 10 years.
Answer
To determine the remaining mass of cobalt-60 after 10 years, we use the half-life formula. After each half-life, the mass is halved. In 10 years, which is two half-lives (5 years each), the calculation is as follows:
1st half-life (5 years):
ext{Mass after 5 years} = rac{2.0 ext{ mg}}{2} = 1.0 ext{ mg}
2nd half-life (10 years):
ext{Mass after 10 years} = rac{1.0 ext{ mg}}{2} = 0.5 ext{ mg}
Thus, the mass of cobalt-60 remaining after 10 years is 0.5 mg.
Step 4