Question detail
What is the significance of the random nature of radioactive 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. It allows for precise predictions of decay times.
- B. It means that decay rates can vary with temperature.
- C. It implies that individual nuclei decay unpredictably.
- D. It ensures that all isotopes decay at the same rate.
Answer
The correct answer is C: It implies that individual nuclei decay unpredictably..
Explanation
The correct answer is C: It implies that individual nuclei decay unpredictably.. 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: It allows for precise predictions of decay times.; It means that decay rates can vary with temperature.; It ensures that all isotopes decay at the same rate..
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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