A G.M tube indicated a constant count rate of 5 counts per minute when a radioactive source was placed at a distance of about 10...

      

A G.M tube indicated a constant count rate of 5 counts per minute when a radioactive source was placed at a distance of about 10 cm from it. When the source was moved close to about 4cm the count rate varied as follows.

Q132282019241.png

(i) The count rate was constant at a distance of 10 cm away. Explain

(ii) Plot a graph of count rate against time.

(iii) Use your graph to estimate the half-life of the radioactive source.

(iv) Q132282019244.png

(v) State two precautions that have to be observed when using a radioactive substance.

(vi) Distinguish between fission and fusion.

  

Answers


Maurice
(i) This is the range of alpha particles in the air

(ii) Q132282019250.png


(iii) Half-life = 32 minutes’ range (31—33)

(iv) They are massive and move slowly.

(v) - Direct the source away from the experimenter
- Handle the radioactive substance with forceps or tongs

(vi) Fission is the process where uranium nucleus is bombarded with a neutron then split into two but equal radioactive particle with more neutrons and a lot of energy.
Fusion is where two light particles are fused together then split to release energy.
maurice.mutuku answered the question on August 22, 2019 at 11:55


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