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A-LevelPhysicsMedical physicsMay/June 2018Paper 4 Q127 Marks

12 An X-ray beam is used to produce an image of a model of a thumb. A parallel beam of X-ray radiation of intensity I₀ is incident on the model, as illustrated in Fig. 12.1. [Figure 12.1] Data for the attenuation (absorption) coefficient μ in bone and in soft tissue are shown in Fig. 12.2. [Figure 12.2] (a) Calculate, in terms of the incident intensity I₀ of the X-ray beam, the intensity of the beam after passing through (i) a thickness of 2.8 cm of soft tissue, intensity = .............................................. I₀ (ii) the bone and soft tissue, as shown in Fig. 12.1. intensity = .............................................. I₀ (b) (i) State what is meant by the contrast of an X-ray image. (ii) By reference to your answers in (a), suggest whether the X-ray image of the model has good contrast.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Medical physics in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 7 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2018 examination, Paper 4 Variant 1.

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