Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay — practice question

(a)[2]

State the meaning of radioactive decay.

(b)

Fig. 13.1 shows how the number $N$ of technetium-101 nuclei in a radioactive sample changes with time $t$.

(b(i))[4]

Use Fig. 13.1 to find the activity, in $\text{Bq}$, of the technetium-101 sample at time $t = 14.0$ minutes. Show your working.

(b(ii))[2]

Without first finding the half-life of technetium-101, use your answer in (i) to work out the decay constant $\lambda$ of technetium-101.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Emission of particles or radiation from an unstable nucleus

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