Question detail
A radioactive source has a count rate of 250 counts per minute, while the background radiation is 50 counts per minute. What is the corrected count rate? Use the penetration comparison context to keep Background radiation distinct from nearby atomic and nuclear radiation ideas.
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. 200 counts per minute (background radiation 30)
- B. 250 counts per minute (background radiation 30)
- C. 300 counts per minute (background radiation 30)
- D. 50 counts per minute (background radiation 30)
Answer
The correct answer is 200 counts per minute (background radiation 30).
Explanation
The correct answer is 200 counts per minute (background radiation 30). It directly supports the learning objective: Calculate corrected count rate by subtracting background count rate from measured count rate.. In Background radiation, this is the best option because it matches the specific penetration comparison context; the other options mix up nearby ideas such as activity, count rate, isotope notation, radiation type, or nuclear-equation changes.
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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