Modelling Decay Flashcards
1
Q
Define the activity of an unstable nucleus
A
Activity is the rate at which a source of unstable nuclei decays.
2
Q
What is the unit of radioactive activity?
A
Becquerel (Bq)
3
Q
What is count-rate?
A
The number of radioactive decays per second for a radioactive source.
4
Q
Give an example of a detector that may be used to measure count-rate.
A
Geiger-Muller Tube
5
Q
Describe the nature of radioactive decay
A
Random
It is impossible to predict which nuclei will decay and when
6
Q
Define half-life
A
The time it takes for the number of unstable nuclei in a substance to halve
or
The time it takes for the count rate from a sample to fall to half its initial level
