Chapter 21: Problem 91
The half-life period of a radioactive element is 140 days. After 560 days, one gram of the element will reduce to (a) \(1 / 2 \mathrm{~g}\) (b) \(1 / 4 \mathrm{~g}\) (c) \(1 / 8 \mathrm{~g}\) (d) \(1 / 16 \mathrm{~g}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
After 560 days, one gram of the element will reduce to \(1/16 \mathrm{~g}\). So, the answer is (d).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Half-Life Concept
The half-life of a radioactive element is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. For this problem, the half-life is given as 140 days. This means every 140 days, the amount of the radioactive element reduces to half its previous quantity.
02
Calculate Number of Half-Life Periods
To find out how many half-life periods have passed after 560 days, divide the total time by the half-life period: \[ N = \frac{560}{140} = 4. \] This means that four half-life periods have passed in 560 days.
03
Applying the Half-Life Formula
When a substance undergoes half-life decay, the remaining quantity can be calculated using: \[ A = A_0 \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^N, \] where \( A_0 = 1 \) gram (the initial quantity) and \( N = 4 \). Substituting these values gives: \[ A = 1 \times \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^4. \]
04
Simplify the Expression
Calculate the expression: \[ \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^4 = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{16}. \] So, \( A = 1 \times \frac{1}{16} = \frac{1}{16} \).
05
Conclude the Result
After simplifying, we find that the remaining quantity of the element after 560 days is \( \frac{1}{16} \) grams. Therefore, the correct answer is option (d) \( 1/16 \mathrm{~g} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is a natural process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This process transforms the unstable parent nucleus into a more stable daughter nucleus. The rate at which a substance undergoes radioactive decay is characterized by its decay constant.
- The decay rate is spontaneous and happens at an atomic level.
- Common decay modes include alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.
- The process is independent of external factors like temperature and pressure.
Half-Life Formula
The half-life formula is crucial in calculating the remaining quantity of a radioactive substance after a certain time period. Half-life is defined as the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to undergo decay. It is a constant for any given isotope.
The half-life formula is given by:\[A = A_0 \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^N,\]where:
The half-life formula is given by:\[A = A_0 \left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^N,\]where:
- \( A \) is the remaining quantity of the substance,
- \( A_0 \) is the initial quantity,
- \( N \) is the number of half-life periods that have elapsed.
Exponential Decay
Exponential decay describes the process by which a quantity decreases at a rate proportional to its current value. This occurs in many natural processes, including radioactive decay.
In the context of radioactivity, the exponential decay equation is represented as:\[A(t) = A_0 e^{-\lambda t},\]where:
In the context of radioactivity, the exponential decay equation is represented as:\[A(t) = A_0 e^{-\lambda t},\]where:
- \( A(t) \) is the amount remaining at time \( t \),
- \( A_0 \) is the initial amount,
- \( \lambda \) is the decay constant,
- \( e \) is the base of the natural logarithm.
Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear chemistry focuses on the reactions and processes involving atomic nuclei. It covers a wide range of topics including radioactive decay, fission, and fusion.
- Radioactivity is a key concept, referring to the spontaneous emission of particles or energy from an unstable nucleus.
- Nuclear transmutation changes one element into another and is central to nuclear reactions.
- Applications of nuclear chemistry include energy production in nuclear reactors and the use of radioisotopes in medical diagnostics.