Generate solvely question under radioactivity and provide their answer

Physics

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Step-by-step solution

6 steps

Question:
A sample of a radioactive isotope has an initial mass of 200 g. After 10 days, 50 g of the isotope remains. What is the half-life of the isotope?

Answer:
The formula relating the remaining mass of a radioactive isotope to its half-life is:
N(t) = N₀ * (1/2)^(t / T)
where:
N(t) is the mass remaining after time t
N₀ is the initial mass
t is the time elapsed
T is the half-life

  1. Identify the given values.

    N₀ = 200 g
    N(t) = 50 g
    t = 10 days

  2. Substitute the values into the formula.

    50 g = 200 g * (1/2)^(10 days / T)

  3. Isolate the term with the half-life.

    (50 g) / (200 g) = (1/2)^(10 days / T)
    (1/4) = (1/2)^(10 days / T)

  4. Express both sides with the same base.

    (1/2)² = (1/2)^(10 days / T)

  5. Equate the exponents.

    2 = (10 days) / T

  6. Solve for T.

    T = (10 days) / 2
    T = 5 days

    The half-life of the isotope is 5 days.

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