NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3as168
Which statement about the radioactive decay of a nuclide is correct?
AIts half-life increases as the initial amount increases.
BIts rate of decay is independent of the number of radioactive atoms present.
CIts half-life can be shortened by raising the temperature of the sample.
DIts half-life does not depend on the amount of the nuclide present, because the decay is first order.
Answer: D
Radioactive decay is a first-order process: rate =λN, and t1/2=0.693/λ depends only on λ, a nuclear property. It is unaffected by amount, temperature or chemical state.