Question detail

Which statement best describes the 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

  1. A. It is a predictable process.
  2. B. It occurs at a constant rate for all isotopes.
  3. C. It is a random process.
  4. D. It can be controlled by external factors.

Answer

The correct answer is C: It is a random process..

Explanation

The correct answer is C: It is a random process.. 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: It is a predictable process.; It occurs at a constant rate for all isotopes.; It can be controlled by external factors..

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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