IB Physics SL E.3.6 Random Radioactive Decay

Practise explaining radioactive decay as spontaneous and random for individual nuclei while using constant decay probability to predict the behaviour of large samples.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
—
Level
SL

Exam points

  • state that the decay time of one unstable nucleus cannot be predicted or triggered by its age
  • explain that each nucleus has the same constant decay probability per unit time

E.3.6—Random radioactive decay question 1

[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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