IB Physics HL E 3 6 Random Radioactive Decay Questions

Explain HL radioactive decay as random and spontaneous, distinguishing unpredictable individual events from predictable exponential behaviour in a sample.

Exam points

Define random and spontaneous radioactive decay at particle level.
Explain the statistical and exponential nature of radioactive decay.
Relate decay randomness to independence from external conditions.

[Maximum number: 2]

Radioactive decay is said to be "random" and "spontaneous". Outline what is meant by each of these terms.

Random:
Spontaneous:

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IB Physics HL E 3 6 Random Radioactive Decay Questions question 1