Question detail
What does the half-life of a radioactive isotope represent?
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. The time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei to double
- B. The time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei to halve
- C. The time taken for the activity to increase by half
- D. The time taken for a radioactive sample to become stable
Answer
The correct answer is B: The time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei to halve.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: The time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei to halve. This supports the learning objective "Determine half-life from a decay graph." 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: The time taken for the number of radioactive nuclei to double; The time taken for the activity to increase by half; The time taken for a radioactive sample to become stable.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting Decay Graphs
Students often misread the decay graph, confusing the time axis with the count rate axis, leading to incorrect half-life determination.
Carefully label and analyze the axes of the decay graph, ensuring to identify the count rate and the time correctly before calculating the half-life.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.