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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
To calculate the remaining mass of cobalt-60, we apply the concept of half-lives. The half-life of cobalt-60 is 5 years. In 10 years, which is 2 half-lives, the mass is calculated as follows:
Initial mass = 16.0 mg
After 5 years (1 half-life): Remaining mass = 16.0 mg / 2 = 8.0 mg
After 10 years (2 half-lives): Remaining mass = 8.0 mg / 2 = 4.0 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 can be exposed to radiation, which can ionize atoms in their bodies. This ionization can damage or mutate DNA, leading to potential health risks such as cancer. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radiation increases the likelihood of cellular damage, which may result in serious illness or death.