Step 1: Understanding radioactive decay.
Radioactive decay is a process where unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. The rate of decay depends only on the number of radioactive nuclei present.
Step 2: Explanation of the reaction order.
- (1) First order reaction: Radioactive decay is a first-order reaction, where the rate of decay is directly proportional to the number of nuclei present.
- (2) Zero order reaction: Zero-order reactions are not applicable here because the rate of reaction would be independent of the concentration.
- (3) Second order reaction: Second-order reactions involve the square of the concentration, which is not the case for radioactive decay.
- (4) Third order reaction: Third-order reactions involve the cube of the concentration, which is also not applicable.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (1) First order reaction.