Question detail
Explain why it is impossible to predict when an individual unstable nucleus will decay, despite knowing the half-life of a radioactive isotope.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
Explain why it is impossible to predict when an individual unstable nucleus will decay, despite knowing the half-life of a radioactive isotope.
Answer
It is impossible to predict when an individual unstable nucleus will decay because radioactive decay is a random process. While the half-life provides an average time for a large number of nuclei, each nucleus decays independently and unpredictably.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's grasp of the random nature of radioactive decay and the concept of half-life. The answer effectively clarifies the distinction between individual decay events and statistical averages, reinforcing the understanding of radioactive processes.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting Decay Curves
Students often confuse the shape of the decay curve, thinking it is linear rather than exponential.
Review the characteristics of exponential decay, noting that the count rate decreases rapidly at first and then more slowly over time.
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