Radioactive decay is described as being both random and spontaneous.
Which row in the table correctly describes the meaning of these two terms?
Meaning of random: It is impossible to predict when a particular nucleus will decay. Meaning of spontaneous: The decay is unaffected by external conditions such as temperature or pressure.
Meaning of random: The decay is unaffected by external conditions such as temperature or pressure. Meaning of spontaneous: It is impossible to predict when a particular nucleus will decay.
Meaning of random: The decay constant is the same for all nuclei of a given isotope. Meaning of spontaneous: The rate of decay decreases exponentially with time.
Meaning of random: The rate of decay decreases exponentially with time. Meaning of spontaneous: The decay constant is the same for all nuclei of a given isotope.
128 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Radioactivity (A-level only), covering Rutherford scattering (A-level only), $\alpha$ , $\beta$ and $\gamma$ radiation (A-level only), Radioactive decay (A-level only), Nuclear instability (A-level only), Nuclear radius (A-level only), Mass and energy (A-level only), Induced fission (A-level only), and Safety aspects (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.