By truly random I mean that IF we knew the position and velocity of every particle in radioactive isotope, could we predict when the decay would happen?
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2$\begingroup$ Yes, it is truly random. At this scale, quantum mechanics dominate the behaviour of the nucleus. At best, you can get a probability of the decay. (Also, you can't know precisely the position and velocity of the particles inside the nucleus, due to Heisenberg's principle of incertitude). $\endgroup$– DemostheneCommented Jan 21, 2015 at 15:10
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3$\begingroup$ possible duplicate of Is radioactive decay spontaneous or random? $\endgroup$– Kyle KanosCommented Jan 21, 2015 at 15:11
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1$\begingroup$ Possible duplicates: physics.stackexchange.com/q/63811/2451 , physics.stackexchange.com/q/71509/2451 and links therein. $\endgroup$– Qmechanic ♦Commented Jan 21, 2015 at 16:52
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