# Radioactive decay is described as a random process. Explain what is meant by the random nature of radioactive decay and describe how this affects the way in which count rate measurements should be taken in a laboratory experiment.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 5.2 Radioactivity · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Cannot predict which nucleus will decay next (or when the next decay will occur)
2. The decay of any individual nucleus is independent of / not influenced by other nuclei or external conditions
3. Measurements should be taken over a longer time period / multiple readings taken and an average (mean) calculated
4. The background count rate must be subtracted from the measured count rate to give the corrected count rate

## Key terms

- [random nature of radioactive decay](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/random-nature-of-radioactive-decay)
- [count rate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/count-rate)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/radioactive-decay-is-described-as-a-e3e6e114) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.