A large collection of nuclei are undergoing alpha decay. The rate of decay at any instant is proportional to:
Correct answer: A. The number of undecayed nuclei present at that instant
- A. The number of undecayed nuclei present at that instant
- B. The time since the decay started
- C. The time remaining before all have decayed
- D. The half-life of the decay
Explanation
Radioactive decay is a first order process, meaning the rate of decay (activity) is directly proportional to the number of radioactive (undecayed) nuclei available at that moment. Decays rate decreases as the number of nuclei decreases.
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Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.
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