Which of the following statements correctly describes the decay of a specific nucleus in a radioactive sample?
It is a random process, meaning it is impossible to predict exactly when a particular nucleus will decay.
It is a predictable process, and the oldest nuclei in the sample will always decay first.
It is an outer-surface process, meaning only nuclei at the boundary of the sample can decay first.
It is a temperature-dependent process, meaning heating the sample will increase the individual decay probability of that nucleus.
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.