7 For

Examiner’s
Use
It is recommended that you spend about 30 minutes on this question.

2 One type of radiation detector known as a Geiger-Müller tube is shown in Fig. 2.1.

wire anode cylindrical cathode

B
thin mica window
gas at low pressure

Fig. 2.1

In order for the tube to function, a potential difference VAB has to be applied between A and
B. The count rate registered by an instrument connected to the tube depends on several
factors such as the distance from the radioactive source to the thin mica window, the activity
of the source and VAB. The tube can detect α, β and γ-radiation.

Design a laboratory experiment to investigate how the count rate due to γ-radiation only
depends upon the potential difference VAB. You have access to three different radioactive
sources only. Information relating to each of these sources is given in the table below.

source type of radiation emitted half-life of source

Radium-226 α, β and γ 1600 years

Bismuth-214 β and γ only 20 minutes

Cobalt-60 β and γ only 5 years

You may assume that the following equipment is available, together with any other apparatus
that may be found in a school or college science laboratory.

Aluminium plates of different thicknesses

Ammeter
Connecting wires
Datalogger
Geiger-Müller tube
Lead plates of different thicknesses
Metre rule
Oscilloscope
Ratemeter
Scaler
Signal generator
Source handling tool
Variable d.c. power supply
Voltmeter

9702/05/M/J/03 [Turn over

 8 For
Examiner’s
Use
You should draw a diagram showing the arrangement of your apparatus. In your account you
should pay particular attention to

(a) which source you would use, giving a reason for your choice,

(b) the procedure to be followed, including how the count rate would be measured,

(c) the control of variables,

(d) any safety precautions you would take.

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9702/05/M/J/03
Page 3 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
A/AS LEVEL EXAMINATIONS - JUNE 2003 9702 05

2 A1 Sensible choice of equipment and procedure OK 1

(i.e. measure count rate and p.d.; change p.d. and measure new
count rate)
Unworkable methods/inappropriate choice of apparatus cannot score
this mark

A2 Voltmeter shown in parallel with the GM tube or the supply 1

A3 Ratemeter/scalar/datalogger connected to terminals A and B of GM 1

tube

B1 Radium or Cobalt source used 1

B2 Reason for choice 1

Answer must relate to half-life. This mark cannot be scored if B1 = 0

B3 Method of removing a or b radiation (depending on source used) 1

Appropriate absorber is expected. Accept ‘aluminium’ or thin lead
Could be shown on the diagram. Allow electric or magnetic deflection

C1/2 Any two safety precautions 2

e.g. use source handling tool
store source in lead lined box when not in use
do not point source at people/do not look directly at source
Do not allow ‘protective clothing’, ‘lead suits’, ‘lead gloves’, ‘goggles’,
etc.

D1/2 Any good/further detail 2

Examples of creditworthy points might be:
Repeat readings (to allow for randomness of activity) or scalar + long
time
Sensible value of p.d. applied to GM tube (i.e. 50 V to 1000 V)
Keep distance from source to GM tube constant/fixed/same, etc.
Subtract count rate due to background radiation
Aluminium sheets must be mm or cm thickness
Allow other valid points. Any two, one mark each

10 marks in total

© University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate 2003