Random and spontaneous decay
What Random and spontaneous decay means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Random and spontaneous decay
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Random and spontaneous decay in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Radioactive decay is random and spontaneous, so a single nucleus's fate cannot be predicted, yet large samples show exponential decay.
Topics that use Random and spontaneous decay
- Radioactivity (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Absorber
- Alpha decay
- Beta-minus decay
- Beta-plus decay
- Carbon-14 and half-life
- Corrected count rate
- Decay constant
- Experimental measurement of half-life
Using Random and spontaneous decay in the exam
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