Question detail
What is the expected change in activity over time for a radioactive isotope with a long half-life?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
What is the expected change in activity over time for a radioactive isotope with a long half-life?
Answer
For a radioactive isotope with a long half-life, the activity decreases slowly over time. The count rate will halve over a longer period, indicating that the substance remains radioactive for an extended duration.
Explanation
This question assesses the ability to compare the decay rates of isotopes with different half-lives. A strong answer reflects an understanding of how long half-lives result in gradual changes in activity.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Half-Life Effects
Students often confuse the concept of half-life with the total decay time, thinking that a shorter half-life means the substance will completely decay faster than it actually does.
Emphasize that half-life is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay, and that multiple half-lives are required for a substance to decay significantly.
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