CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.2.3 Deflection of Particles Particles Questions

Practise predicting alpha, beta and gamma paths in electric and magnetic fields, using opposite charge signs, relative masses and gamma's neutral nature.

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

[Maximum number: 3]

The isotope thallium-208 $\left({ }_{81}^{208} \mathrm{~T} l\right)$ is radioactive. It decays by $\beta$ -decay.

A sample of thallium-208 is placed in a thick lead container. Fig. 8.1 shows a narrow beam of $\beta$ -particles and $\gamma$ -radiation emerging from a small hole in one side of the container.

Fig. 8.1

The narrow beam enters a region where there is a magnetic field that is directed into the page.
On Fig. 8.1:
- draw a line labelled $\beta$ to indicate the path of the $\beta$ -particles in the magnetic field
- draw a line labelled $\gamma$ to indicate the path of the $\gamma$ -radiation in the magnetic field.

smooth curve (through magnetic field) AND labelled $\beta$
path towards bottom of page AND no upward component AND labelled $\beta$
(continuation of beam along) horizontal line through magnetic field AND labelled $\gamma$

All question bank results loaded

CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.2.3 Deflection of Particles Particles Questions question 1