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?

Question

petals falling from a flower
throwing tennis balls over a fence
breaking off pieces of wet clay
popping a bag of popcorn

Answer 1

An appropriate model of the radioactive decay of a group of atoms would be popping a bag of popcorn. This option reflects the idea of a certain quantity undergoing a spontaneous and unpredictable process over time, similar to how popcorn kernels pop at random intervals. The process cannot be reversed, just like radioactive decay is irreversible. The other options do not capture the randomness and irreversibility of radioactive decay as effectively.