CAIE IGCSE Physics Alpha Beta and Gamma Radiation Questions

Practise identifying alpha, beta and gamma by their nature, ionisation, penetration and deflection in absorber, electric-field and magnetic-field evidence.

Exam points

identify alpha as helium nuclei, beta as electrons and gamma as electromagnetic radiation
rank alpha, beta and gamma by ionising effect and penetration using paper, aluminium and lead
use charge and mass to interpret opposite deflections while gamma continues undeflected

Covered syllabus points

5.2.2.1—Emission of radiation from a nucleus 5.2.2.2—Alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ)5.2.2.3—Deflection of α-particles, β-particles 5.2.2.4—Their relative ionising effects with

[Maximum number: 1]

A radiation detector is set up in a laboratory where there are no radioactive samples.

On six separate occasions, the detector is switched on for 1.0 minute and the background count is recorded. The counts are:

\begin{array}{llllll} 23 & 27 & 25 & 24 & 20 & 25 \end{array}

State why the readings are not all identical.

[Maximum number: 2]

State the nature of $\gamma$ -rays.

[Maximum number: 3]

A beam consists of $\alpha$ -particles, $\beta$ -particles and $\gamma$ -rays.

Explain how a uniform magnetic field may be used to separate the $\alpha$ -particles, the $\beta$ -particles and the $\gamma$ -rays.

(b)

(part of) beam deflects

B1

$\alpha$ -particles deflect in opposite / different direction to $\beta$ -particles / electrons or all $\alpha$ -particles have similar deflections or $\alpha$ -
particles deflect less

B1

$\gamma$ -rays do not deflect

B1

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Covered syllabus points

5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission question 1

5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission question 2

5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission question 3