Question

Decay constant of radium is $\lambda $ . By a suitable process its compound radium bromide is obtained. The decay constant of radium bromide will be
A. $\lambda $
B. More than $\lambda $
C. Less than $\lambda $
D. zero

Answer 1

Hint: In order to solve this question, we should first know about decay constant. Decay constant is the proportionality constant between the rate of change of number of nuclei with nuclei in radioactive decay law and here we will discuss the decay constant of the chemical compound radium bromide and then will determine the correct option.

Complete step by step solution:
Before proceeding with the decay constant of the chemical compound radium bromide, we should know that all the chemical elements and compounds are not radioactive in nature, and most of the radioactive elements found naturally on earth.

So, Radium is one of the radioactive element which shows radioactivity and we have given to us that decay constant of radium element alone is $\lambda $ and after some chemical process the chemical compound which is formed with radium is radium bromide and as we know that bromide is a regular chemical element means it’s not a radioactive element.

Therefore, the radioactivity process of compound radium bromide is only affected by radium alone and as we have the decay constant of radium as $\lambda $ so the decay constant of radium bromide will be the same as that of radium which is $\lambda $.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: It should be remembered that, while calculating decay constant of chemical compounds, always check which element is radioactive out of them and also remember all the most known radioactive elements, and additionally decay constant is inversely proportional to half-life of the radioactive elements.