www.igexams.

com

Radioactivity
Question Paper 4

Level IGCSE
Subject Physics
ExamBoard CIE
Topic Atomic Physics
Sub-Topic Radioactivity
Paper Type (Extended) Theory Paper
Booklet Question Paper 4

Time Allowed: 49 minutes

Score: /41

Percentage: /100
 www.igexams.com

1 A radioactive source is placed near a radiation detector connected to a counter, as shown in

Fig. 11.1.

radioactive radiation
counter
source detector

Fig. 11.1

(a) The count rate, measured over three successive minutes, gives values of

720 counts / minute

691 counts / minute
739 counts / minute.

Explain why a variation like this is to be expected in such an experiment.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The radiation detector and counter are left untouched. The radioactive source is put in its lead
container and returned to the metal security cupboard.

Once this has been done, a further measurement is taken over one minute.

This gives a reading of 33 counts / minute.

(i) State the name used for the radioactivity being detected during this minute.

...........................................................................................................................................

(ii) Suggest two possible sources for this radioactivity.

1. ........................................................................................................................................

2. .................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 4]
 www.igexams.com

2 A beam of ionising radiation, containing -particles, -particles and -rays, is travelling left to
right across the page. A magnetic field acts perpendicularly into the page.

(a) In the table below, tick the boxes that describe the deflection of each of the types of
radiation as it passes through the magnetic field. One line has been completed, to help
you.

not deflected deflected large small

deflected towards towards deflection deflection
top of page bottom of page

-particles ✓ ✓

-particles

-rays

[3]

(b) An electric field is now applied, in the same region as the magnetic field and at the
same time as the magnetic field.

What is the direction of the electric field in order to cancel out the deflection of the
-particles?

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 5]
 www.igexams.com

3 Fig. 11.1 shows the paths of three α-particles moving towards a thin gold foil.

gold foil

Fig. 11.1

Particle A is moving directly towards a gold nucleus.

Particle B is moving along a line which passes close to a gold nucleus.
Particle C is moving along a line which does not pass close to a gold nucleus.

(a) On Fig. 11.1, complete the paths of the α-particles A, B and C. [3]

(b) State how the results of such an experiment, using large numbers of α-particles,
provides evidence for the existence of nuclei in gold atoms.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 12]
 www.igexams.com

4 Fig. 11.1 shows an experiment to test the absorption β- particles

of by thin sheets of
aluminium. Ten sheets are available, each 0.5 mm thick.

β-particle source

detector counter
sheets of
aluminium

Fig. 11.1

(a) Describe how the experiment is carried out, stating the readings that should be taken.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [4]

(b) State the results that you would expect to obtain.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 6]
 www.igexams.com

5 Fig. 11.1 shows a beam of radiation that contains

α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays. The
beam enters a very strong magnetic field shown in symbol form by N and S poles.

beam of
radiation

Fig. 11.1

Complete the table below.

direction of deflection, charge carried by

radiation
if any radiation, if any
α-particles

β-particles

γ-rays

[6]

[ Total : 6 ]
 www.igexams.com

6 (a) α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays are known as ionising radiations.

(i) Describe what happens when gases are ionised by ionising radiations.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

(ii) Suggest why α-particles are considered better ionisers of gas than β-particles.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) (i) Suggest two practical applications of radioactive isotopes.

1. ..............................................................................................................................

2. ..............................................................................................................................

(ii) For one of the applications that you have suggested, describe how it works, or draw
a labelled diagram to illustrate it in use.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

[4]
 www.igexams.com

7 (a) Fig. 10.1 is the decay curve for a radioactive isotope that emits only β- particles.

400
count rate
300
counts / min

200

100

0
0 10 20 30 40
time / min

Fig. 10.1

Use the graph to find the value of the half-life of the isotope.

Indicate, on the graph, how you arrived at your value.

half-life …………………………. [2]

(b) A student determines the percentage of β-particles absorbed by a thick aluminium

sheet. He uses a source that is emitting only β-particles and that has a long half-life.

(i) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus required, set up to
make the determination.

[2]
 www.igexams.com

(ii) List the readings that the student needs to take.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [3]

[ Total : 7 ]