Question detail

What is the primary reason for measuring background radiation before using a radioactive source?

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. To ensure the source is safe
B. To calibrate the measuring equipment
C. To determine the source's half-life
D. To subtract it from the measured count rate

Answer

The correct answer is D: To subtract it from the measured count rate.

Explanation

The correct answer is D: To subtract it from the measured count rate. 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: To ensure the source is safe; To calibrate the measuring equipment; To determine the source's half-life.

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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