Physics A-Level
Background count rate
What Background count rate means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Background count rate
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Background count rate in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A reading measured first with no source and subtracted from all readings in absorption studies.
Topics that use Background count rate
- Radioactivity (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Absorber
- Alpha decay
- Beta-minus decay
- Beta-plus decay
- Carbon-14 and half-life
- Corrected count rate
- Decay constant
- Experimental measurement of half-life
Using Background count rate in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge