Question detail

Why does background radiation vary with altitude?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation

Question

A. Cosmic rays increase with altitude
B. More rocks are found at higher altitudes
C. Human activity is less at higher altitudes
D. Air pressure decreases with altitude

Answer

The correct answer is A: Cosmic rays increase with altitude.

Explanation

The correct answer is A: Cosmic rays increase with altitude. This supports the learning objective "Explain why background radiation can vary with altitude." 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: More rocks are found at higher altitudes; Human activity is less at higher altitudes; Air pressure decreases with altitude.

Common mistake

Altitude Effects on Background Radiation

Students often believe that background radiation is constant regardless of altitude.

Understand that background radiation can increase with altitude due to reduced atmospheric shielding from cosmic rays.

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