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IB Physics HL E 3 13 Background Radiation Questions

Correct HL radioactive measurements for background radiation, then calculate source activity or half-life from the net count rate.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • subtract the constant background count rate from each detector reading to obtain the net source count rate
  • use corrected activity or count-rate data with half-life relationships to calculate a later reading or identify the background level
  • interpret decay graphs containing a non-zero background and distinguish total detector reading from source activity

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Study E.3.13—Background radiation conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics HL E 3 13 Background Radiation Questions question 1

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The graph shows the variation with time t of the activity A of a sample of protactinium-234.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL E 3 13 Background Radiation Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

Suggest why the activity approaches a non-zero constant value.

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