Question 49
Radioactivity and Nuclear PhysicsThe activity of a radioactive substance depends on
- A.temperature and purity
- B.temperature and age
- C.purity and age
- D.age, purity and temperature
- E.none of the above.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (purity and age)
Explanation
Activity depends on how many radioactive nuclei are present, which depends on how pure the sample is and how much has already decayed (its age). Temperature has no effect on radioactive decay.