Q. A radioactive nucleus can decay simultaneously by two different processes which have decay constant $\lambda_{1}\ and\ \lambda_{2}$.The effective decay constant of the nuclide is $\lambda,\ $where
A) $\lambda = \lambda_{1} + \lambda_{2}$
B) $\lambda = 2(\lambda_{1} + \lambda)$
C) $\frac{1}{\lambda} = \frac{1}{\lambda_{1}} + \frac{1}{\lambda_{2}}$
D) $\lambda = \sqrt{\lambda_{1}\lambda_{2}}$
Explanation
(a) As disintegration by two different processes is simultaneous, therefore, effective decay constant $\lambda = \left( \lambda_{1} + \lambda_{2} \right)$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.