Estimating Half-Life of Alpha Decay: Nucleus ##^{252}_{98}Cf##

[skrat]

Homework Statement

Nucleus $^{252}_{98}Cf$ alpha decays with half life time $t_{1/2}=2.6$ years.
What is the velocity of the alpha particle after the decay?
Estimate the half life time of the nucleus after the decay.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Ok, no worries about the first part. I think i understand it and I think I got it right. My result is $v_\alpha =0.058c$.

However, I have got absolutely no idea what to do with the second part, where I am supposed to estimate the half life time of $^{248}_{96}X$.

I was thinking about Geiger-Nutall law, but I think this wouldn't be OK, even if I could somehow determine the constants in the equation. Any ideas on how to start here?

 

[SteamKing]

I don't know why you are writing the daughter element as $^{248}_{96}X$. Can't you find a periodic table and look up element 96?

 

[skrat]

I don't know why you are writing the daughter element as $^{248}_{96}X$. Can't you find a periodic table and look up element 96?

Because:
- I won't have a periodic table on the test either so I won't be able to look up for element $96$ (or any other that is not already stored in my head).
- It doesn't change anything.