Exam-style question
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Which statement about the exponential nature of radioactive decay is true?.
- A.The amount of radioactive material decreases linearly over time.
- B.The decay rate is proportional to the remaining quantity of material.
- C.Decay can be predicted with absolute certainty.
- D.The decay process is influenced by temperature.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The decay rate is proportional to the remaining quantity of material.
Explanation
Why this works
The exponential decay law states that the rate of decay of a radioactive substance is proportional to the amount of the substance that remains, leading to a characteristic exponential decay curve.
Common mistake
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