Question

A particular nucleus in a large population of identical radioactive nuclei did survive $5$ half lives of that isotope. Then the probability that this surviving nucleus will survive the next half life:

• A. $\frac{1}{32}$
• B. $\frac{1}{5}$
• C. $\frac{1}{2}$
• D. $\frac{1}{10}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\frac{1}{2}$

The particular nucleus in a large population of identical radioactive nuclei did survive for 5 half-lives. Then it will either survive for next half or not. Then the probability that this surviving nucleus will survive the next half life is half or $\frac{1}{2}$.