Radioactive decay is the process where unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. The decay constant ($λ$) represents the probability of a nucleus decaying per unit time. It's a fundamental property of a specific radioactive isotope, indicating how quickly it decays. The activity ($A$) of a radioactive sample, on the other hand, is the rate at which decays occur, measured in Becquerels (Bq) or Curies (Ci). Activity depends on both the decay constant and the number of radioactive nuclei ($N$) present in the sample. Simply put, decay constant is a property of the isotope, while activity is a property of the sample.
Match the terms with their correct definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Activity | A. Probability of decay per unit time |
| 2. Decay Constant | B. Time for half the nuclei to decay |
| 3. Half-life | C. The rate of decay events |
| 4. Radioactive Decay | D. Process of unstable nuclei emitting radiation |
| 5. Becquerel | E. SI unit of radioactivity |
(Match: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D, 5-E)
Complete the following paragraph using the words: nuclei, activity, decay constant, proportional, Becquerel.
The __________ of a radioactive sample is the rate at which radioactive __________ decay. It is measured in __________. The activity is __________ to both the __________ and the number of radioactive atoms present.
(Answer: activity, nuclei, Becquerel, proportional, decay constant)
If you have two radioactive samples with the same activity, but one has a larger decay constant, what can you conclude about the number of radioactive nuclei in each sample?
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