Detection of radioactivity: past paper questions
Real questions on detection of radioactivity
The newest 20 of 25 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[3]
The scientist’s measurements are shown. mass of pebble = 120 g volume of pebble = 52 cm 3 density of the pebble = g / cm 3 Calculate the density of the pebble.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q5c(i)[1]
Give one use of gamma rays.
See it on the paper → - 0625/32 · February/March 2026 · Q5c(ii)[1]
Give one harmful effect of excessive exposure to gamma rays.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q9a[5]
On Figure 9.1, draw the path of: 1 the α-particles inside the electric field. Label this line α.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q9b[2]
α-particles (b) A student places a sheet of paper in the path of the beam before it reaches the electric field. State how this affects the path of the α-particles and γ-radiation inside the electric field.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q9c[3]
The beam of α-particles and γ-radiation in Figure 9.1 is replaced by a beam of β-particles. State and explain the path of the β-particles in the electric field. Use ideas about electrostatic force in your answer. explanation statement
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2025 · Q8a(ii)[1]
Observation: a few particles bounce back or are deflected through large angles. conclusion
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(i)[2]
State and explain which path P, Q or R shows a beam of alpha particles. path explanation
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q10c[2]
Radon gas is one source of background radiation. Name two other sources that make a significant contribution to background radiation.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2024 · Q10b[1]
Three forms of the element protactinium are: protactinium‑234, protactinium‑230 and protactinium‑233. State the name given to these different forms of the same element.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2024 · Q10a(iii)[2]
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. count rate =
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · May/June 2023 · Q35[1]
What is the corrected count rate for the radioactive source?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · May/June 2023 · Q9b[1]
Fig. 9.2 shows sources of background radiation that affect people. rocks and buildings region D radon gas (in the air) food and drink Fig. 9.2 Suggest the source of background radiation in region D.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2022 · Q10a(i)[1]
is the most penetrating
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2022 · Q10a(ii)[1]
is the most ionising
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2022 · Q10a[3]
A cloud chamber can be used to detect α (alpha)-particles and β (beta)-particles. Alcohol in the cloud chamber exists as a vapour and condenses on ions produced in the air. This forms visible tracks. Fig. 10.1 shows the tracks when a source of α-particles and β-particles is present in the cloud chamber. cloud chamber a...
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2022 · Q10a[2]
Explain why the readings in Table 10.1 are not the same as those plotted on the graph.
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · October/November 2021 · Q39[1]
What is the counts / min solely due to the source and why is there a reading on the detector when there is no radioactive source present?
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2021 · Q11a(i)[1]
Suggest a source of these readings.
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · October/November 2020 · Q40[1]
Which equation represents the β-decay of lead-209?
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates gave a correct use of gamma rays. Limited responses • Some candidates stated that gamma rays were used in x-rays or were used to identify forged banknotes.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q5(c)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Candidates displayed a good understanding of the dangers of gamma rays and gave a correct harmful effect of overexposure to gamma rays. Limited responses • Candidates did not give enough detail and stated that overexposure to gamma rays caused skin issues
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/32 Q5(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates showed that gamma rays pass undeflected through the electric field. • Some candidates showed the path of alpha particles curving towards the negative plate as it entered the electric field. Limited responses • Most candidates knew that alpha particles are deflected towards the negative plate. • A common misconception was to continue the path of alpha part...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q9(a) (Cambridge)
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