Focus Physics

Detection of radioactivity

Core concepts and learning points for this section:

Syllabus Points

Core

  • 5.2.1.1 Know what is meant by background radiation
  • 5.2.1.2 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
  • 5.2.1.3 Know that ionising nuclear radiation can be measured using a detector connected to a counter
  • 5.2.1.4 Use count rate measured in counts / s or counts / minute

Supplement

  • 5.2.1.5 Use measurements of background radiation to determine a corrected count rate