Two radioactive sources X and Y have the same initial activity. X has a half-life of 2 hours and Y has a half-life of 1 hour. What is the ratio of the activities of X and Y after 4 hours?
For a radioactive material, what is meant by:
X-rays, alpha, beta and gamma radiation are called ionising radiation. Explain what is meant by the term ionising radiation. (2 marks)
The Geiger Muller (GM) tube and 'ionization chamber' are useful devices to detect radiation. They consist of a metal tube or chamber consisting of a gas or air at a low pressure. A p.d. is maintained between a thin wire or probe and the walls of the tube or chamber, and a sensitive current meter is connected in series to detect any small current produced. Describe the process that gives rise to these small currents. (3 marks)
A 2:1 B 4:1 C 8:1 D 16:1
(i) the decay constant, lambda;
(ii) the half-life T1/2?
Derive a relationship between these two quantities