IGCSE Coordinated Science MCQ Quiz

P5.2 Radioactivity and P6.1 The Solar System

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Instructions: Answer all questions. Choose one answer only for each question. Your responses will be submitted to the Master Google Sheet.

1. Which type of radiation is stopped by a sheet of paper?

A. Alpha radiation B. Beta radiation C. Gamma radiation D. X-rays

2. Which type of radiation is the most penetrating?

A. Alpha radiation B. Gamma radiation C. Beta radiation D. All have the same penetration

3. What is radioactive decay?

A. The heating of radioactive atoms B. The movement of electrons between atoms C. The random emission of radiation from unstable nuclei D. The cooling of a radioactive source

4. Which radiation has no charge and no mass?

A. Alpha B. Beta C. Proton D. Gamma

5. What is meant by the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

A. The time taken for all atoms to decay B. The time taken for half the unstable nuclei to decay C. Half the time since the isotope was made D. The time taken for activity to double

6. A radioactive source has a count rate of 600 counts per minute. After one half-life, what is the count rate?

A. 600 counts per minute B. 150 counts per minute C. 300 counts per minute D. 1200 counts per minute

7. Why should radioactive sources be handled with tongs?

A. To increase the temperature of the source B. To stop the source from glowing C. To increase the distance between the source and the body D. To make the source less radioactive

8. Which device is used to detect ionising radiation?

A. Ammeter B. Thermometer C. Voltmeter D. Geiger-Müller tube

9. Which radiation is made of fast-moving electrons?

A. Beta radiation B. X-rays C. Gamma radiation D. Alpha radiation

10. Why is ionising radiation harmful to living tissue?

A. It lowers body temperature B. It makes blood magnetic C. It can damage cells and DNA D. It stops light entering the body

11. Which is a suitable storage method for radioactive materials?

A. In an open tray B. In a lead-lined container C. In a paper envelope D. In a glass beaker

12. Which radiation is most suitable for detecting leaks in underground pipes?

A. Alpha only B. Infrared radiation C. Visible light D. Gamma radiation

13. What is at the centre of the Solar System?

A. The Sun B. Jupiter C. Earth D. The Moon

14. Which force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

A. Friction B. Gravity C. Air resistance D. Magnetism

15. Which statement about planets is correct?

A. Planets produce their own light B. All planets are the same size C. Planets orbit stars D. Planets do not move

16. What is a galaxy?

A. A single planet B. A moon orbiting a planet C. A cloud in Earth’s atmosphere D. A large collection of stars held together by gravity

17. Which planet is closest to the Sun?

A. Venus B. Mercury C. Earth D. Mars

18. Which list shows the objects in order from smallest to largest?

A. Universe, galaxy, Solar System, planet B. Galaxy, planet, Universe, Solar System C. Planet, Solar System, galaxy, Universe D. Solar System, planet, Universe, galaxy

19. Which object orbits a planet?

A. A galaxy B. A nebula C. A moon D. A universe

20. Which statement best describes the motion of planets in the Solar System?

A. Planets move in straight lines away from the Sun B. Planets orbit the Moon C. Planets remain fixed in space D. Planets orbit the Sun due to gravity

IGCSE Coordinated Science

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