Five radioactive nuclei, labeled A, B, C, D, and E, are present in a small sample. Each nucleus will eventually undergo β−\beta^-β−-decay.
Nucleus B is observed to decay first. Nucleus E is observed to decay second.
Which nucleus will decay next?
Nucleus A
Nucleus C
Nucleus D
It is impossible to tell
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.