The half-life of a radioactive element is the time required for: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The half-life of a radioactive element is the time required for:
A. The temperature to halve
B. Complete decay
C. Half of the atoms to decay
D. The mass to become zero
Answer: Option C
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Half-life (t₁/₂) is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. It is constant for a given isotope and independent of initial amount (first-order kinetics). After one half-life, 50% remains; after two, 25%. It is a measure of stability. Short half-life = more radioactive.

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Practice More chemistry Questions

Question #1
The process of adding chlorine to water to kill bacteria is called:
A. Distillation
B. Chlorination
C. Filtration
D. Ozonation

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Chlorination is the disinfection of water using chlorine or chlorine compounds to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. Chlorine reacts with water forming hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which is a strong germicide. Ozonation uses ozone; distillation involves boiling and condensation. Filtration removes particulate matter but not all microorganisms. Chlorination is cost-effective and provides residual protection, though it may produce trihalomethanes as by-products.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry
Question #2
In the reaction CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O, which substance is reduced?
A. CuO
B. Cu
C. H₂O
D. H₂

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Reduction is gain of electrons or loss of oxygen. Here, CuO loses oxygen to form Cu, so CuO is reduced. H₂ gains oxygen to form H₂O, so H₂ is oxidized. This is a redox reaction. Oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. Mnemonic: OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain of electrons). In terms of oxygen, loss of O = reduction, gain of O = oxidation.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry
Question #3
Which scientist arranged elements in increasing order of atomic weights and grouped them by similar properties?
A. Henry Moseley
B. Dmitri Mendeleev
C. John Newlands
D. Antoine Lavoisier

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Dmitri Mendeleev formulated the Periodic Law based on atomic masses and left gaps for undiscovered elements. Moseley later modified it to atomic number. Newlands gave Law of Octaves. Lavoisier classified elements into metals and non-metals.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry