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Detection of radioactivity past paper questions

O Level Physics 5054 · Radioactivity. 1 Describe the detection of alpha particles (α-particles) using a cloud chamber or spark counter and the detection of beta particles (β-particles) (β-particles will be taken to refer to β−) and gamma radiation (γ-radiation) by using a Geiger-Müller tube and counter 2 Use count rate measured in counts / s or counts / minute 3 Know what is meant by background radiation 4 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 5 Use measurements of background radiation to determine a corrected count rate

In Cambridge O Level Physics 5054, Detection of radioactivity came up in 11 of the 72 papers on Paperstreak, for about 3 marks a paper when it does. It last came up in May/June 2025.

Often set with The three types of emission, Half-life, The nucleus, Radioactive decay.

11 questions, newest first

1. 5054/21/M/J/25 Question 8 parts (d(i)) (d(ii)) · 3 marks
2. 5054/11/M/J/24 Question 38 · 1 mark
3. 5054/21/M/J/24 Question 7 parts (b(i)) (b(ii)) · 2 marks
4. 5054/22/M/J/24 Question 9 part (c(i)) · 3 marks
5. 5054/21/M/J/23 Question 10 part (c) · 2 marks
6. 5054/22/M/J/23 Question 9 parts (b(i)) (b(ii)) · 4 marks
7. 5054/22/O/N/22 Question 9 part (c(i)) · 3 marks
8. 5054/21/M/J/22 Question 9 parts (c(i)) (c(ii)) · 2 marks
9. 5054/22/M/J/22 Question 9 part (b) · 4 marks
10. 5054/21/O/N/21 Question 10 parts (c(i)) (c(ii)) · 3 marks
11. 5054/22/O/N/21 Question 6 part (b(i)) · 1 mark

More in Radioactivity: The three types of emission, Radioactive decay, Fission and fusion, Half-life, Safety precautions.

Questions and mark schemes from Cambridge International past papers. Paperstreak isn't affiliated with Cambridge.