Calculating Gamma Ray Count Rate Error in 20 secs

In summary, the speaker is seeking help with a calculation involving a detector counting gamma rays from a radioactive source. The provided options for error in counting rate per second are 5%, 22.4%, 44.7%, and 220%, and it is mentioned that counting statistics follow a Poisson distribution and that the standard error is related to the number of counts.
  • #1
swaha
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Homework Statement


A detector is used to count the number of gamma rays from a radioactive source if the number of counts is 10000 in exactly 20 secs then what is the error in counting rate per sec?



Homework Equations

- no idea.



The Attempt at a Solution

- As per our syllabus we had only done Geiger muller counter which gives a dead time & from that we can calculate the error. However that is not given here. SO I got no idea to approach. Please help.

Options given- 5%, 22.4%, 44.7%, 220% (absolute values all).
Question source TIFR GS 2010.
 
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  • #2

1. What is the formula for calculating gamma ray count rate error in 20 seconds?

The formula for calculating gamma ray count rate error in 20 seconds is: Error = √(C/N), where C is the number of counts and N is the time interval in seconds.

2. Can the count rate error be negative?

No, the count rate error cannot be negative. It is calculated by taking the square root of a number, which will always result in a positive value.

3. How do I determine the uncertainty in the number of counts?

The uncertainty in the number of counts can be determined by taking the square root of the number of counts. This is also known as the Poisson error.

4. Is the count rate error affected by the length of the time interval?

Yes, the count rate error is affected by the length of the time interval. The longer the time interval, the smaller the count rate error will be.

5. Can the count rate error be reduced?

Yes, the count rate error can be reduced by increasing the number of counts or decreasing the time interval. This will result in a more accurate measurement of the count rate.

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