Is Radioactive Decay Really Random?

Thread starter FeDeX_LaTeX
Start date Mar 6, 2010
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Decay Radioactive Radioactive decay Random

In summary: The atomic bomb is the result of the combination of highly stable elements- uranium and plutonium- and a highly unstable element- carbon. Even though the atomic bomb is highly stable in terms of its chemical makeup, the energy of the explosion has caused it to undergo radioactive decay. In summary, the decay of uranium-238 is not strictly random, but rather a statistical phenomenon that is ultimately determined by the initial conditions.

Jul 25, 2011

chogg

Mannix99 said:

Actually, recents observation tends to show that radioactive decay is NOT random. The issue is that so far, no one is able to say why.
Please read: http://news.stanford.edu/news/2010/august/sun-082310.html"

I don't think that is evidence one way or another about determinism or indeterminism (i.e. "randomness"). In an indeterministic universe, the effect of the neutrinos could be to change the probability distribution (e.g. by lowering the energy barrier for decay). Altered probabilities are still probabilities.

It's not the case that neutrino flux let's scientists predict when a given particle will decay, so these observations don't tend to show that radioactive decay is nonrandom.

Not to suggest the article isn't extremely interesting. :)

Last edited by a moderator: May 5, 2017

<h2>1. What is radioactive decay?</h2><p>Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus into a more stable nucleus, accompanied by the release of energy in the form of radiation.</p><h2>2. How is radioactive decay measured?</h2><p>The rate of radioactive decay is measured using the half-life, which is the amount of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. This can be measured using specialized equipment such as a Geiger counter or a scintillation counter.</p><h2>3. Is radioactive decay really random?</h2><p>Yes, radioactive decay is considered to be a random process. While the half-life of a radioactive substance is constant, the exact timing of individual decay events cannot be predicted.</p><h2>4. What factors can affect the rate of radioactive decay?</h2><p>The rate of radioactive decay is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other elements. However, these factors do not change the overall random nature of the process.</p><h2>5. How is radioactive decay used in scientific research?</h2><p>Radioactive decay is used in a variety of scientific research fields, including geology, archaeology, and medicine. It can be used to determine the age of rocks and artifacts, as well as to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer.</p>

Related to Is Radioactive Decay Really Random?

1. What is radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is the spontaneous breakdown of an unstable atomic nucleus into a more stable nucleus, accompanied by the release of energy in the form of radiation.

2. How is radioactive decay measured?

The rate of radioactive decay is measured using the half-life, which is the amount of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. This can be measured using specialized equipment such as a Geiger counter or a scintillation counter.

3. Is radioactive decay really random?

Yes, radioactive decay is considered to be a random process. While the half-life of a radioactive substance is constant, the exact timing of individual decay events cannot be predicted.

4. What factors can affect the rate of radioactive decay?

The rate of radioactive decay is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other elements. However, these factors do not change the overall random nature of the process.

5. How is radioactive decay used in scientific research?

Radioactive decay is used in a variety of scientific research fields, including geology, archaeology, and medicine. It can be used to determine the age of rocks and artifacts, as well as to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer.