Question detail
Which of the following best describes radioactive decay?
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
- A. A predictable process
- B. A random process
- C. A controlled process
- D. A reversible process
Answer
The correct answer is B: A random process.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: A random process. This supports the learning objective "Define half-life as the time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei in a sample to halve." in Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay idea: A predictable process; A controlled process; A reversible process.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Half-Life Definition
Students often confuse half-life with the time taken for the entire sample to decay, rather than the time for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay.
Emphasize that half-life specifically refers to the time it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay, not the entire sample.
Related flashcards
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Related practice questions
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