Question detail
Why is it impossible to predict when an individual unstable nucleus will 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. Because decay is influenced by external factors
- B. Because decay is a random process
- C. Because all nuclei decay at the same rate
- D. Because decay can be reversed
Answer
The correct answer is B: Because decay is a random process.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: Because decay is 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: Because decay is influenced by external factors; Because all nuclei decay at the same rate; Because decay can be reversed.
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.
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