The process of radioactive decay is unpredictable and irreversible. Which option would be an appropriate model of the radioactive decay of a group of atoms?
popping a bag of popcorn popping a bag of popcorn throwing tennis balls over a fence throwing tennis balls over a fence breaking off pieces of wet clay breaking off pieces of wet clay petals falling from a flower
petals falling from a flower
The appropriate model for the radioactive decay of a group of atoms would be "petals falling from a flower."
The appropriate model for the radioactive decay of a group of atoms would be the "petals falling from a flower" option.
Radioactive decay is an unpredictable process because it involves the spontaneous breakdown of unstable atomic nuclei, which occurs at random intervals. Once an atom undergoes radioactive decay, it cannot revert back to its original state, making it irreversible.
To understand this concept, imagine a flower with petals that fall off one by one. This model represents the unpredictable nature of radioactive decay, as you cannot predict when and which petal will fall off next. Additionally, once a petal falls off, it cannot reattach itself to the flower, just like how a decaying atom cannot revert back to its original state.
Therefore, the option "petals falling from a flower" best illustrates the unpredictability and irreversibility of radioactive decay.