Chapter 21: Problem 73
Bismuth- 214 is an \(\alpha\) -cmitter with a half-life of 19.7 min. A 5.26 -mg sample of the isotope is placed in a sealed, evacuated flask of volume \(20.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) at \(40^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Assuming that all the \(\alpha\) particles generated are converted to helium gas and that the other decay product is nonradioactive, calculate the pressure (in \(\mathrm{mmHg}\) ) inside the flask after 78.8 min. Use 214 amu for the atomic mass of bismuth.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Determine Number of Half-Lives
Calculate Remaining Bismuth-214
Calculate Decayed Bismuth-214
Determine Moles of Decayed Bismuth
Calculate Moles of Helium
Use Ideal Gas Law to Find Pressure
Verify Calculations
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Alpha Decay
- In alpha decay, heavy elements often become different elements since their nucleus loses both mass and protons.
- This process contributes to the stability of an atom by helping it achieve a more balanced energy state.
- While alpha particles are comparatively large and do not penetrate materials deeply, they nonetheless pose significant health risks if inhaled or ingested.
Half-life Calculation
- Half-life is a constant for a particular substance and does not change. For instance, the half-life of Bismuth-214 is always 19.7 minutes.
- In decay calculations, one can use the formula: \[ \text{Remaining Amount} = \text{Initial Amount} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\text{Number of Half-Lives}} \]
- This exponential decay implies that with each passing half-life, the rate of decrease slows down proportionately.
Ideal Gas Law
- \( P \) represents pressure, \( V \) is volume, \( n \) is the number of moles, \( R \) is the gas constant, and \( T \) is temperature in Kelvin.
- It assumes that gas particles are in constant, random motion and do not attract or repel each other significantly.
- Using this law, we can find unknown variables, such as pressure, if the rest are known.
Bismuth-214 Decay
- Bismuth-214's decay releases energy in the form of alpha particles, along with non-radioactive products such as helium gas.
- The decay process is rapid with a short half-life of just 19.7 minutes, indicating that it transforms significantly within a brief period.
- In radiological terms, such a short half-life implies high activity, meaning it undergoes many decay events in a given time frame.