Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

A counter that measures radioactive decays from a radioactive source produces the following counts for equal time intervals of time. Time intervals (min) and counts: $0$-$10$: $424$; $10$-$20$: $395$; $20$-$30$: $413$; $30$-$40$: $363$; $40$-$50$: $366$; $50$-$60$: $294$; $60$-$70$: $301$; $70$-$80$: $253$; $80$-$90$: $212$. What conclusion can be drawn from these readings?

  • Athat radioactivity is random and that the half-life is $90$ minutes
  • Bthat radioactivity is random and that the half-life is uncertain
  • Cthat radioactivity is spontaneous and that the half-life is $90$ minutes
  • Dthat radioactivity is spontaneous and that the half-life is uncertain

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