Question detail
What is 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. The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation
- B. The process of splitting an atom into smaller parts
- C. The process of combining two nuclei to form a larger nucleus
- D. The process of stabilizing a nucleus by adding neutrons
Answer
The correct answer is A: The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation.
Explanation
The correct answer is A: The process in which an unstable nucleus emits radiation. This supports the learning objective "State that radioactive decay is a random process." in Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation 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 Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation idea: The process of splitting an atom into smaller parts; The process of combining two nuclei to form a larger nucleus; The process of stabilizing a nucleus by adding neutrons.
Common mistake
Understanding Randomness in Radioactive Decay
Students often believe that radioactive decay can be predicted for individual nuclei, thinking it follows a specific pattern.
Emphasize that radioactive decay is a random process, meaning it is impossible to predict when a specific unstable nucleus will decay.
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