24.30 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Question: What is the reaction order of radioactive decay? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The reaction order of radioactivity decay is 1^st order kinetics.

Step 1: The Kinetics of Radioactive Decay

The decrease in the number of radioactive nuclei per unit time is the rate of decay, or activity, of a sample of a radioactive substance.

Step 2: Reaction order of radioactive decay

The rate of decay of an atom during radioactive decay is precisely proportional to the initial amount present; hence it is first order decay.