Which of the following statements correctly contrast radioactive steady-state equilibrium with ordin — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following statements correctly contrast radioactive steady-state equilibrium with ordinary reversible chemical equilibrium?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Radioactive equilibrium is conceptually a steady-state condition rather than a true reversible equilibrium because radioactive decay is irreversible. Therefore, A is correct. B is the mathematical definition of steady-state equilibrium. D is correct; steady state only establishes if the parent decays much slower than the daughter. C is incorrect; the amounts in a radioactive series slowly decline over time as the parent source is depleted, so they are not strictly constant indefinitely like in a closed-system chemical equilibrium.