Eg. 'lamda' will be '\lamda'.Radioactivity: What is the Activity After One Week?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ibysaiyan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Activity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the activity of a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 1.6 x 105 seconds, starting with an initial activity of 25,000 Bq. The formula used is A = A0 e-λt, where λ is derived from the half-life equation T(1/2) = ln(2)/λ. After one week, the calculated activity is approximately 1,822 Bq, confirming that Bq is equivalent to disintegrations per second. Participants also emphasize the importance of using LaTeX for clearer equation presentation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radioactive decay and half-life concepts
  • Familiarity with the exponential decay formula A = A0 e-λt
  • Knowledge of SI units, specifically the Becquerel (Bq)
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for formatting equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive the decay constant (λ) from half-life values
  • Study the application of the exponential decay formula in various contexts
  • Explore the use of LaTeX for scientific documentation and equation formatting
  • Investigate the implications of radioactive decay in astrophysics and nuclear physics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying radioactivity, as well as educators and anyone interested in mastering the mathematical aspects of radioactive decay.

ibysaiyan
Messages
441
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Hi,
The question itself doesn't sound too complicated i some-how got the asnwer,just wondering if its correct or not.

Question is:A radioactuve isotope wuith a half-life of 1.6x10^5 s disintegrates to form a stable product.A pure sample of 'x' is prepared with an initial activity of 25000Bq.
Caclulate the activity of the sample after week one.

Homework Equations


A= Ao e^-lamdba (t)
T(1/2)= Ln2 /lamda.

The Attempt at a Solution


I used initial activity as 25k bq now i thought activity to be in /s? i don't know here is what I've done.
A= Ao e^-lamdba (t)
LnA = LnA0 - (lamda)x T
LnA = ln(25000)-(4.33x10^-6 x 604.8x10^3)
A = 1822. <--- would the units be in s^-1?

Again thanks for your input =}.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
why don't you use latex for equation..it will be easier to read latex equations..just you use tex tags before and after equations..Also use a single equation instead of multiple equations for e.g.,
<br /> A=A_0\exp\left(\frac{-t\ln2}{T_{1/2}}\right)<br />
Bq is SI unit for radioactivity. i.e. disintegrations per second..or it just same..Bq is same as per second or s-1.
here t = 1 week.
 
Last edited:
Rajini said:
why don't you use latex for equation..it will be easier to read latex equations..just you use tex tags before and after equations..Also use a single equation instead of multiple equations for e.g.,
<br /> A=A_0\exp\left(\frac{-t\ln2}{T_{1/2}}\right)<br />
Bq is SI unit for radioactivity. i.e. disintegrations per second..or it just same..Bq is same as per second or s-1.
here t = 1 week.

Ah you see i am not familiar with latex usage. I know how useful it is to both OP and thread posters. Anyhow it seems that its correct?Thanks a zillion for your reply!.Thing is i got 14 exams in under 60 days and i am after A* grade i love astrophysics! So i need to get those grades! Sorry went kinda offtopic.I will be posting more questions later these were pretty basic given off by my teacher today.Just trying to be extra-cautious.
ibysaiyan/
 
I think the equations you write..for eg., in your 1st eqn.
you just need to use tex before and /tex after the eqn. inside [ ] that is enough..for lambda use '\' before it..
 

Similar threads

How to Calculate Initial Radioactive Activity for Patient Treatment?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K