IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (9–1) 0973 · Physics · 124

0654.P5.2.01 — Know what is meant by the terms ionising nuclear radiation and background radiation: past paper questions

6 real questionsasked in 2 of the last 10 exam series2020–2024usually: Describe, State, Calculate, Explain

Real questions on 0654.p5.2.01 — know what is meant by the terms ionising nuclear radiation and background radiation

The newest 6 of 6 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0973/32 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(i)[2]
Table 3.1 lists some radiations. Table 3.1 radiation ionising alpha (α) beta (β) gamma (γ) ✓ ultrasound ✗ X‑rays Put a tick ( ✓ ) in each row of Table 3.1 to show which radiations are ionising and a cross ( ✗ ) to show which radiations are not ionising. Two have been done for you.
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0973/32 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Describe one adverse effect of ionising radiations on living things.
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0973/32 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(iii)[1]
Place alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) radiations in order of their relative penetrating ability. most penetrating least penetrating
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0973/32 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(iv)[1]
State one use of X‑rays in a hospital.
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0973/41 · May/June 2023 · Q12a(ii)[2]
The source used in Fig. 12.1 has a half‑life of 29 years. Calculate the time it will take for the activity of the source to drop to 12.5% of the original value. time = years
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0973/31 · May/June 2020 · Q12d(ii)[1]
When the sample of radioactive rock is removed from the detector, the detector continues to record some radiation. Explain this observation.
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What examiners said

Many found this calculation demanding, with few getting the correct answer of 87 years. The methodology was poorly understood.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/41 Q12(a)(ii) (Cambridge)

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124 0654.P5.2.01 — Know what is meant by the terms ionising nuclear radiation and background radiation

Know what is meant by the terms ionising nuclear radiation and background radiation
Identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions by recalling: (a). their nature (b). their relative ionising effects (c). their relative penetrating abilities (β+ are not included, β-particles will be taken to refer to β–)
Know that radioactive decay is a change in 4 Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, an unstable nucleus that can result in the to show the emission of α-particles, emission of α-particles or β-particles and / or β-particles and γ-radiation γ-radiation and know that these changes are spontaneous and random
Know the following applications of radioactivity: (a). household fire (smoke) alarms (b). irradiating food to kill bacteria (c). sterilisation of equipment using gamma rays (d). measuring and controlling thicknesses of materials with the choice of radiations used linked to penetration and absorption (e). diagnosis and treatment of cancer using gamma rays
Know the sources that make a significant contribution to background radiation including: (a). radon gas (in the air) (b). rocks and buildings (c). food and drink (d). cosmic rays
Know that during α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus changes to that of a different element
State the effects of ionising nuclear radiation on living things, including cell death, mutations and cancer
Know that ionising nuclear radiation can be measured using a detector connected to a counter
Know the change in the nucleus that occurs during β-emission: neutron → proton + electron
Describe how radioactive materials are moved, used and stored in a safe way in terms of time, distance and shielding
Use count rate measured in counts / s or counts / minute

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