We cannot predict the precise decay time of a particular radioactive ¹⁴C nucleus because A) of the quantum entanglement of its protons and neutrons. B) a single nucleus is too small to be seen or directly detected. C) of quantum uncertainties. D) the calculation is too difficult for today's computers. E) of the difficulty of determining the precise initial states of all its protons and neutron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive decay is a quantum process, and the exact time at which a particular nucleus will decay is inherently uncertain due to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.

We Cannot Predict the Precise Decay Time of a Particular