MDCAT Physics MCQ #2831

A sample of radioactive material has 4.0 x 10^18 atoms. If its decay constant is 0.02 s^-1, how many atoms decay in 2 seconds?

MDCAT Physics MCQ #2831

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A sample of radioactive material has 4.0 x 10^18 atoms. If its decay constant is 0.02 s^-1, how many atoms decay in 2 seconds?

    • A) 1.28 x 10^18
    • B) 3.20 x 10^17
    • C) 6.40 x 10^17
    • D) 1.60 x 10^18

    Answer: 1.28 x 10^18

    Explanation: Using N = N0 * e^(-λt), we find the remaining atoms, then subtract from initial. Most tempting wrong option 'D' assumes linear decay.