Verifying 226-Ra Half-Life Calculation

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to calculate the activity of a source of radiation containing 1.0 mg of 226-Ra after 5000 years, given its half-life of 1600 years. The conversation includes the relevant equations and atomic mass for Ra-226. The final calculation results in an activity of 4.18E6 Bq.
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Prometium
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Homework Statement



I think I'm very right om this assignment, but I would like to completely sure - so I'm thankful if someone educated in nuclear physics can check that this is correct.

226-Ra has a half-life of 1600 years. One source of radiation contains 1.0 mg of this Radium nuclide. What activity is there from this source of radiation about 5000 years?

Homework Equations



Half life: N(t) = N(0)*2^(-t/T1/2) But I prefer: N(t) = N(0)*0.5^(t/T1/2)

Acivity: Bq = (m/ma)NA(ln(2)/T1/2)

Atomic mass for Ra-226: 226.0254098 u

Seconds within 1600 years: 5.04576*10^10 s

The Attempt at a Solution



First, I was just answering in mg:

1.0*0.5^(5000/1600) = 0.1146255054 mg --> This is in grams: 1.146255054*10^-4 g

And yes, this is the amount of the source left after 5000 years - but not the acitivity. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

So now I just plug this in this amount in grams in this equation:

(m/ma)NA(ln(2)/T1/2)

Which is:

(1.146255054*10^-4) / (226.0254098)*NA*(ln(2)/(5.04576*10^10)) = 4'195'404.564 Bq

My result is: 4.2 MBq


Is completely this correct?
 
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  • #2
Prometium said:
(1.146255054*10^-4) / (226.0254098)*NA*(ln(2)/(5.04576*10^10)) = 4'195'404.564 Bq

The equation looks right. I get slightly less.. 4.18E6.
 

1. How is the half-life of 226-Ra calculated?

The half-life of 226-Ra is calculated by determining the amount of time it takes for half of the initial amount of the element to decay. This is done by measuring the rate at which the element decays and using mathematical equations to determine the time it would take for half of the initial amount to decay.

2. What is the accepted half-life value for 226-Ra?

The accepted half-life value for 226-Ra is 1600 years. This value has been determined through multiple studies and experiments and is widely accepted in the scientific community.

3. How accurate is the calculated half-life value for 226-Ra?

The accuracy of the calculated half-life value for 226-Ra depends on the quality of the data used and the precision of the measurements. Generally, the calculated value can be accurate within a few percentage points of the accepted value.

4. What methods are used to verify the half-life calculation for 226-Ra?

There are several methods used to verify the half-life calculation for 226-Ra, including comparing the results to other studies and experiments, using different measurement techniques, and conducting repeated experiments to ensure consistency.

5. Why is it important to verify the half-life calculation for 226-Ra?

Verifying the half-life calculation for 226-Ra is important because it ensures the accuracy of the data used in various scientific studies and applications. It also helps to validate the principles and theories used in nuclear physics and radiochemistry.

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