Question

A teacher uses the equipment shown along with a counter to measure background radiation. The reading on the counter tube is 34 counts per minute. The teacher then introduces a source of beta radiation in front of the equipment, resulting in a reading of 468 counts per minute. Calculate the amount of radiation detected from the source of beta radiation.

A. 34 counts per minute

B. 468 counts per minute

C. 434 counts per minute

D. 434 counts per second

Answer 1

The amount of radiation detected from the beta source is found by subtracting the background radiation level from the total counts with the beta source present, resulting in 434 counts per minute, thus option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the amount of radiation detected from the source of beta radiation, we need to consider both the background radiation level and the level recorded with the beta radiation source present. The background radiation is given as 34 counts per minute, and the total count with the beta radiation source is 468 counts per minute.

To find the counts attributable solely to the beta source, we subtract the background radiation from the total counts:

Beta radiation source count = Total count with source - Background radiation count
= 468 counts per minute - 34 counts per minute
= 434 counts per minute

Therefore, the correct option is C.