Question detail
Why might a very short half-life make a radioactive source difficult to use?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
Question
- A. It decays too slowly to be effective
- B. It requires frequent replacement
- C. It emits only low-energy radiation
- D. It is not detectable
Answer
The correct answer is B: It requires frequent replacement.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: It requires frequent replacement. This supports the learning objective "Explain why isotope choice depends on balancing usefulness and exposure risk." in Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes idea: It decays too slowly to be effective; It emits only low-energy radiation; It is not detectable.
Common mistake
Isotope Selection Confusion
Students often confuse the importance of half-life with the type of radiation emitted when choosing isotopes for medical or industrial use.
Emphasize that both the half-life and the radiation type must be considered to ensure the isotope is useful while minimizing exposure risk.
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