Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay — practice question

This question is about radioactive decay.
(a)[2]

What is meant by radioactive decay constant?

(b)[3]

A radioactive iodine-131 sample $\left(^{131}_{53}\text{I}\right)$ with a mass of $5.87 \times 10^{-10}\ \text{kg}$ has an activity of $2.92 \times 10^{9}\ \text{Bq}$. Determine the decay constant of iodine-131.

(c)[2]

Suggest two reasons why a detector placed close to the sample in (b) would register a count rate far below $2.92 \times 10^{9}$ counts per second.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Chance of decay

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