Calculating Time for Iodine 131 to Decay to 5% of Initial Dose

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time required for Iodine 131 to decay to 5% of its initial dose using the decay equation D(t) = D0 * 2^(-t/8). The decay constant "k" is established as 8 days, representing the half-life of Iodine 131. To determine the time when the dose becomes undetectable, the equation is set to 0.05D0, leading to the solution for "t" through logarithmic manipulation. The final calculation yields the time required for the decay to reach the specified threshold.

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Pikachu1
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So i have a graph representing iodine 131
y axis of 0-100 iodine remaining in the body (%of dose)
x asis 0-60 Time in days
with the points plotted (24,12.5)

The equation of the graph is D = D0 (b) t/k

So i have figured out "k" which is 8 for iodine half life. Which it asked me to do in the previous question.

Now it is asking me...

Iodine 131 is unable to be detected after it has decayed to 5% of its initial dose. Using your equation, determine how many days, to the nearest tenth will have passed until the dose is undetectable.

Just not sure how to use my equation to get that answer. I realize it's simple but it is out smarting me.
 
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Okay the curve is:

$$D(t)=D_02^{-\frac{t}{8}}$$

To find the time at which the initial dose has decayed to 5% of the original amount, you may set $D(t)=0.05D_0$ and then solve for $t$. Can you proceed?
 

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