Physics · Composition and size of nucleus, atomic masses, mass-energy relation, mass defect

Consider two nuclei of the same radioactive nuclide. One of the nuclei was creat

Consider two nuclei of the same radioactive nuclide. One of the nuclei was created in a supernova explosion 5 billion years ago. The probability of decay during the next time is.

  • A. Different for each nuclei
  • B. Nuclei created in explosion decays first
  • C. Nuclei created in the reactor decays first
  • D. Independent of the time of creation

Step-by-step solution

Radioactive decay is a random process with a constant probability per unit time (decay constant) for a given nuclide. This probability does not depend on the history or age of the nucleus. Thus, both nuclei have the same probability of decaying in the next time interval, regardless of when they were created.
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