This topic covers the random nature of radioactive decay and introduces the concept of half-life. Learners will plot decay curves and use them to determine the half-lives of radioactive materials. Different uses of radioactive materials will be studied, the uses being related to their half-lives and their penetrating powers.
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Created by Mr S Lee
over 6 years ago
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Is it possible to determine which nuclei / atom will decay next in a radioactive sample?
What is radioactive half-life?
A radioactive source has a half-life of 30 minutes.
What percentage of the source remains after two hours?
Cobalt-60 has a half life of 5 years.
A sample of cobalt-60 has an activity of 2,000 Bq.
What will the activity be after 15 years?
What does the activity of a radioactive source mean?
Use the table above to answer the following 3 questions.
From the table, suggest which isotope should be used to monitor the thickness of aluminium sheet in a factory and explain why.
From the table, select which isotope should be injected as a medical tracer to monitor internal organs by using a camera outside the body.
From the table, suggest which isotope is best suited for use in a smoke detector and explain why.
