Question detail
How can the half-life of a radioactive isotope be estimated?
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. By measuring the temperature of the sample
- B. By observing a large sample over time
- C. By calculating the mass of the sample
- D. By using a Geiger-Muller tube
Answer
The correct answer is B: By observing a large sample over time.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: By observing a large sample over time. 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: By measuring the temperature of the sample; By calculating the mass of the sample; By using a Geiger-Muller tube.
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.
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