Data Sheet: Activity 5 – Radioactive Decay
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Activity Data
... [Show More] Code: MCQ
Table I – Sample 1, Type of Radiation
Determine the type of radiation by observing its ability to penetrate various shields (see “Experimentally Identifying the Type of Radiation Emitted by a Source” under Background tab)
Observations and Questions
[1] Based on your observations above, explain your reasoning for your Sample 1 answer.
Beta radiation is less penetrating than gamma radiation and may thus be detected in thinner materials like paper and aluminum but not lead.
Table II – Sample 1, Half-life Determination using Decay Plot (Direct Method)
Observations and Questions
[2] Based on your data above, estimate the half-life of Sample 1.
[3] Notice that the distance used in Trial 2 is twice the distance used in Trial 1. How does the change in distance affect the decay rate? Hint: compare initial rates (trial 1 / trial 2).
Initial decay rate depends on distance. However, once degeneration has started, it advances at a consistent rate. The initial rate of deterioration is unaffected by probe distance.
Table III – Sample 1, Half-life Determination using Natural Log Decay Plot
Note: Slope Method is used here (see "Summary of Formulas and Concepts Needed for Calculations" under Background tab)
Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your slope of line calculation.
Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your half-life calculation.
Observations and Questions
[4] How do your half-life results compare between the two different methods? Are they similar? Different? How do your results compare to the actual value (look under the Activity Form tab)?
[5] Describe a situation where it might be difficult to use the first method.
Table IV – Sample 2, Type of Radiation
Determine the type of radiation by observing its ability to penetrate various shields (see “Experimentally Identifying the Type of Radiation Emitted by a Source” under Background tab)
Observations and Questions
[6] Based on your observations above, explain your reasoning for your Sample 2 answer.
Table V – Sample 2, Half-life Determination using Natural Log Decay Plot
Note: Slope Method is used here (see "Summary of Formulas and Concepts Needed for Calculations" under Background tab)
Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your slope of line calculation.
Sample Calculation: For Trial 2, show your half-life calculation
[7] How do your results from Trial 1 and Trial 2 compare to each other? What is the average of your Trial 1 and Trial 2 half-life determinations?
Table VI – Sample 3, Type of Radiation
Determine the type of radiation by observing its ability to penetrate various shields (see “Experimentally Identifying the Type of Radiation Emitted by a Source” under Background tab)
Observations and Questions
[8] Based on your observations above, explain your reasoning for your Sample 3 answer.
Table VII – Sample 3, Half-life Determination using Natural Log Decay Plot
Note: Slope Method is used here (see "Summary of Formulas and Concepts Needed for Calculations" under Background tab)
[9] How do your results from Trial 1 and Trial 2 compare to each other? What is the average of your Trial 1 and Trial 2 half-life determinations? [Show Less]