Question detail
A Geiger counter shows a count rate of 400 counts per minute. If the background radiation is 100 counts per minute, what is the corrected count rate?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
Question
- A. 300 counts per minute
- B. 400 counts per minute
- C. 500 counts per minute
- D. 100 counts per minute
Answer
The correct answer is A: 300 counts per minute.
Explanation
The correct answer is A: 300 counts per minute. This supports the learning objective "Calculate corrected count rate by subtracting background count rate from measured count rate." in Background radiation because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Background radiation idea: 400 counts per minute; 500 counts per minute; 100 counts per minute.
Common mistake
Incorrect Count Rate Calculation
Students often forget to subtract the background count rate from the measured count rate, leading to incorrect results.
Always remember to use the formula: Corrected Count Rate = Measured Count Rate - Background Count Rate.
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