Question detail

How does altitude affect background radiation levels?

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. Higher altitudes have lower background radiation
B. Higher altitudes have higher background radiation due to increased cosmic rays
C. Altitude has no effect on background radiation
D. Background radiation is only affected by geological factors

Answer

The correct answer is B: Higher altitudes have higher background radiation due to increased cosmic rays.

Explanation

The correct answer is B: Higher altitudes have higher background radiation due to increased cosmic rays. This supports the learning objective "Explain why background radiation can vary with building materials or local geology." 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: Higher altitudes have lower background radiation; Altitude has no effect on background radiation; Background radiation is only affected by geological factors.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Background Radiation Sources

Students often confuse natural and artificial sources of background radiation, thinking they are the same.

Clarify the distinction by categorizing sources into natural (like cosmic rays and radon gas) and artificial (like medical uses and nuclear power).

Related flashcards

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