CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.1.5 Measurements of Background Radiation Questions
Practise correcting radiation measurements by subtracting background count rate from detector readings, tables or decay graphs.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Exam points
- calculate corrected count rate by subtracting background count rate
- convert detector counts and time into counts per second or minute
- analyse radioactive decay count-rate data and half-life measurements
CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.1.5 Measurements of Background Radiation 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.
A radioactive tracer is added to the water. The counter in Fig. 10.1 shows the count rate in counts/minute above the leak in the water pipe.
Determine the count rate due to the tracer.
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