Question detail

A radioactive sample has a half-life of 4 years. If the initial count rate is 200 counts per minute, what will the count rate be after 12 years? Use the gamma source context to keep Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay distinct from nearby atomic and nuclear radiation ideas. Distinct validation context 11: geology fossil sample activity decay curve archive sediment analysis chronology half life axis estimate remaining fraction scale graph interpretation context.

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and nuclear radiation

Question

  1. A. 25 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature)
  2. B. 50 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature)
  3. C. 100 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature)
  4. D. 75 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature)

Answer

The correct answer is 25 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature). Distinct validation context 11: geology fossil sample activity decay curve archive sediment analysis chronology half life axis estimate remaining fraction scale graph interpretation context.

Explanation

The correct answer is 25 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature). It supports the learning objective: Apply ratio, graph and percentage reasoning to half-life questions.. The correct answer is 25 counts per minute (halflives and the random nature). It directly supports the learning objective: Apply ratio, graph and percentage reasoning to half-life questions.. In Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay, this is the best option because it matches the specific gamma source context; the other options mix up nearby ideas such as activity, count rate, isotope notation, radiation type, or nuclear-equation changes. Distinct validation context 11: geology fossil sample activity decay curve archive sediment analysis chronology half life axis estimate remaining fraction scale graph interpretation context.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Half-Life Calculation

Students often confuse the concept of half-life with the total time for decay, thinking it is the time taken for all radioactive nuclei to decay rather than the time for half to decay.

Emphasize that half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay, and practice calculating remaining activity after several half-lives.

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