Radioactivity & Particles · 2 question types
Past paper frequency (2018 to 2024)
This topic accounts for approximately 8% of your exam marks.
Properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation and nuclear equations tested consistently.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sealed radioactive sources (one α, one β, one γ) in a school-approved holder | The sources to be tested |
| Long-handled tongs | Allow safe handling of the sources without bringing them close to the body |
| GM tube and digital counter | Detects ionising radiation and counts the pulses |
| Selection of absorbers: sheet of paper, several aluminium sheets at 0.5 mm thickness intervals, several lead sheets | Placed between source and detector to test penetration |
| Lead-lined storage box for the sources | Reduces stray exposure when sources are not in use |
| Ruler and clamp stand | Fixes the source-to-tube distance |
| Stopwatch | Times each measurement |