A sample of a radioactive isotope contains millions of unstable nuclei.
Which statement correctly describes the decay of these individual nuclei?
Radioactive decay is a random process, so it is impossible to predict which specific nucleus will decay next.
The oldest unstable nuclei in the sample will always decay before the newly formed ones.
Unstable nuclei near the center of the sample decay faster because they are under higher pressure.
The decay rate of individual nuclei increases as the ambient temperature rises.
484 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2 Radioactivity, covering 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate, 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission, 5.2.2b Deflection and ionising effects of nuclear radiation, 5.2.3a Radioactive decay, 5.2.3b Effects of decay on the nucleus and decay equations, 5.2.4a Half-life, 5.2.4b Choosing isotopes for applications, and 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.