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. Radioactive decay is a random process.
- B. All unstable nuclei decay at the same time.
- C. Decay can be influenced by external factors.
- D. The half-life of a nucleus is constant.
Answer
The correct answer is A: Radioactive decay is a random process..
Explanation
The correct answer is A: Radioactive decay is a random process.. This supports the learning objective "Explain why it is impossible to predict when an individual unstable nucleus will decay." 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: All unstable nuclei decay at the same time.; Decay can be influenced by external factors.; The half-life of a nucleus is constant..
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Predictability in Radioactive Decay
Students often believe that the decay of an individual unstable nucleus can be predicted based on its characteristics.
Emphasize that radioactive decay is a random process, and while the half-life can be determined for a large sample, the exact moment an individual nucleus will decay cannot be predicted.
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