Chapter 42: Problem 37
The radionuclide \({ }^{64} \mathrm{Cu}\) has a half-life of \(12.7 \mathrm{~h}\). If a sample contains \(5.50 \mathrm{~g}\) of initially pure \({ }^{64} \mathrm{Cu}\) at \(t=0,\) how much of it will decay between \(t=14.0 \mathrm{~h}\) and \(t=16.0 \mathrm{~h} ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
0.23 grams of \\({}^{64}Cu\\) decayed.
Step by step solution
01
Determine Initial Decay Constant
The decay constant \( \lambda \) is calculated using the formula \( \lambda = \frac{\ln(2)}{\text{half-life}} \). The half-life provided is 12.7 hours, so\[ \lambda = \frac{\ln(2)}{12.7} \approx 0.0546 \text{ hr}^{-1}. \]
02
Calculate Remaining Material at t = 14.0 h
We use the formula \( N(t) = N_0 e^{-\lambda t} \), where \( N_0 = 5.50 \, \text{g} \). At \( t = 14.0 \, \text{h} \):\[ N(14) = 5.50 \, \text{g} \times e^{-0.0546 \times 14} \approx 3.38 \, \text{g}. \]
03
Calculate Remaining Material at t = 16.0 h
Using the same decay formula, at \( t = 16.0 \, \text{h} \):\[ N(16) = 5.50 \, \text{g} \times e^{-0.0546 \times 16} \approx 3.15 \, \text{g}. \]
04
Determine Amount Decayed Between t = 14.0 h and t = 16.0 h
The amount that decayed is the difference between the material present at \( t = 14.0 \, \text{h} \) and \( t = 16.0 \, \text{h} \):\[ \Delta N = N(14) - N(16) = 3.38 \, \text{g} - 3.15 \, \text{g} = 0.23 \, \text{g}. \]
05
Conclusion
The amount of \( {}^{64} \text{Cu} \) that decayed between \( t = 14.0 \, \text{h} \) and \( t = 16.0 \, \text{h} \) is 0.23 grams.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Half-Life
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms to decay. It acts as a clock to measure how quickly a substance loses its radioactivity. A key point is that the half-life remains constant, no matter how much substance you start with or how much is left. For example, with a half-life of 12.7 hours, in 12.7 hours half of the
^{64}Cu in the sample will have decayed.
This concept is useful in many fields, from archaeology to medicine.
This concept is useful in many fields, from archaeology to medicine.
- Archaeologists use it to date artifacts through carbon dating.
- Medical professionals use it to calculate safe dosages of radiopharmaceuticals.
The Decay Constant
The decay constant, denoted by \( \lambda, \) is a probability measure of the decay process. It describes how frequently the individual atoms decayed.
Calculated using the formula \( \lambda = \frac{\ln(2)}{\text{half-life}}, \) it links to the half-life by showing the decay rate.
For ^{64}Cu with a half-life of 12.7 hours, this gives a decay constant of approximately 0.0546 \( \text{hr}^{-1}. \)
Calculated using the formula \( \lambda = \frac{\ln(2)}{\text{half-life}}, \) it links to the half-life by showing the decay rate.
For ^{64}Cu with a half-life of 12.7 hours, this gives a decay constant of approximately 0.0546 \( \text{hr}^{-1}. \)
- A larger decay constant means a faster decay rate.
- This measure is critical for predicting how much of a substance remains over time.
Exploring Exponential Decay
Exponential decay describes how the quantity of a radioactive substance decreases over time. The substance reduces at a rate proportional to its current value, creating a curve that represents rapid early loss, slowing down over time.
The mathematical representation is \( N(t) = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}, \) where \( N_0 \) is the initial amount.
The mathematical representation is \( N(t) = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}, \) where \( N_0 \) is the initial amount.
- The equation uses the decay constant \( \lambda \) to predict remaining material after a time \( t. \)
- In the exercise, you see this calculation predicting the amounts left at different times.
- Exponential decay is foundational in understanding how substances lose mass and radioactivity.
Radionuclide Basics
A radionuclide, also known as a radioactive isotope, is an atom with an unstable nucleus. This instability causes the nucleus to release energy in the form of radiation until it becomes stable. \(^{64}Cu \) is an example where it emits radiation until it transforms into a stable form.
Key characteristics include:
Key characteristics include:
- Radionuclides occur naturally or can be artificially produced.
- Each one has a unique decay mode, resulting in different types of radiation.
- They are used in medicine, industry, and scientific research.