CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.1.2 Sources That Make a Significant Questions
Review why detectors register background radiation and which natural or artificial sources contribute.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Exam points
- identify natural sources such as radon and cosmic radiation contributing to background counts
- identify artificial sources and distinguish non-ionising electromagnetic radiation
- explain why a detector records background radiation even without a nearby source
CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.1.2 Sources That Make a Significant Questions question 1
Leaks in underground water pipes are detected using radioactive tracers. Fig. 10.1 shows a radiation detector above a water pipe.
Fig. 10.1
Before the radioactive tracer is added to the water, the detector measures the background radiation above the pipe. The average background radiation is 26 counts/minute.
Suggest one source of radiation that may make a significant contribution to the background count rate.
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