Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay — practice question

(a(1))[1]

State what spontaneous decay means.

(a(2))[1]

State what random decay means.

(b(i))[3]

Strontium-90 $\left(^{90}_{38}\text{Sr}\right)$ is an unstable nuclide. The activity of a sample of $1.0 \times 10^{-9}\,\text{kg}$ of strontium-90 is $5.2\,\text{MBq}$. Determine the decay constant $\lambda$ of strontium-90.

(b(ii))[1]

After a time of $1.0$ half-lives, the activity of the sample is greater than the expected $2.6\,\text{MBq}$. Suggest one possible reason for this.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Decay is not influenced by external factors

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