Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay — practice question

(a)[2]

State what the term radioactive decay means.

(b)

The sample contains isotope $X$, which has half-life $T$ and decays to a stable product. The only substances present are $X$ and the stable product. At time $t = 0$, the activity is $A_0$ and the sample contains $N_0$ nuclei of $X$.

(b(i))[3]

On Fig. 10.1, sketch how the number $N$ of nuclei of $X$ in the sample changes with $t$. Your line should run from time $t = 0$ to time $t = 3T$.

(b(ii))[2]

On Fig. 10.2, sketch how the activity $A$ of the sample varies with $N$ for values of $N$ from $N = 0$ up to $N = N_0$.

(c(i))[1]

State the name of the quantity shown by the gradient of your line in Fig. 10.1.

(c(ii))[1]

State the name of the quantity shown by the gradient of your line in Fig. 10.2.

(d)[2]

For the sample in (b), calculate the fraction $\frac{N}{N_0}$ at time $t = 1.70T$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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