Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Nuclei

Question:

A fraction f1 of a radioactive sample decays in one mean life, and a fraction f2 decays in one half-life

Options:

$f_1 > f_2$

$f_1 < f_2$

$f_1 = f_2$

may be (a), (b) or (c) depending on the values of the mean life and half-life

Correct Answer:

$f_1 > f_2$

Explanation:

$T_{mean} = 1.44 \times T_{\frac{1}{2}}$ 

$\text{So the time span of 1 mean-life is more than that of 1 half-life.}$
$\text{Thus, number (and fraction) of radioactive sample decay would be more in 1 mean-life than that in 1 half-life.}$
$\Rightarrow f_1 > f_2$