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 a random process
- B. Because all nuclei decay at the same time
- C. Because it depends on external temperature
- D. Because it is influenced by magnetic fields
Answer
The correct answer is A: Because decay is a random process.
Explanation
The correct answer is A: Because decay is a random process. This supports the learning objective "Determine half-life from a table of count-rate or activity data." 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 all nuclei decay at the same time; Because it depends on external temperature; Because it is influenced by magnetic fields.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Half-Life Calculation
Students often confuse the half-life with the total decay time, thinking it represents the entire duration for a sample to decay completely.
Emphasize that half-life is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay, not the time for the entire sample to decay.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.