Certain isotope tell you that the decay rate decreases

[xinlan]

Homework Statement

Measurements of a certain isotope tell you that the decay rate decreases from 8337 decays/minute to 3174 decays/minute over a period of 5.00 days.

Homework Equations

R=Ro.e^-lamda/t
then T1/2 = ln(2)/lamda

The Attempt at a Solution

I converted all the units..
t = 5 days = 432000 seconds
R = 8337 decays/minute = 52.9 decays/s
Ro=3174 decays/minute = 138.95 decays/s
I did:
R=Ro.e^-lamda/t
52.9=138.95 . e^-lamda*432000
lamda = -1.86*10^-6

I am confused.. the lamda should not be a negative number right?

because half-life should be a positive number..
please help me..

 

[Astronuc]

Well, if one take R₀ to be the lesser activity and the later activity to be greater, then one will get a negative lamdba since the activity is increasing.

Usually R(t) < R₀, i.e. R(t) is decreasing from R₀.


If one takes the ln of the decay equation, one can make it linear.

Start with R₀ = 8337 decays/minute, then R(t=5days) = 3174 decays/minute, but make sure units/time are on the same basis.

 

[xinlan]

I should convert all the units right?

then if the lamda is negative, the half-life will be negative, and should I just plug in the minus sign as well on the computer?

 

[xinlan]

I got it.. :)