Chapter 44, Problem 1PLA

To determine

The approximate number of nuclei that a typical sample of radioactive material would contain as a lower limit.

Answer to Problem 1PLA

Option (c) ${10}^{12}$.

Explanation of Solution

Radioactive decay of the material is a predictable number of nuclei that would decay per second but it is not possible to predict which nuclei from the sample will decay.

It is not possible to predict the radioactive decay of one specific radioactive nucleus. Therefore, to predict radioactive decay, a typical radioactive sample should have at least ${10}^{12}\text{ nuclei}$.

A typical sample of radioactive material must contain at least ${10}^{12}\text{ nuclei}$ as a lower limit.

Conclusion:

Therefore, option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect. Option (c) is correct.