Calculating Half Life: How Many Years for 1/64 of Hydrogen-3 to Remain

In summary, calculating the half-life of an isotope, such as Hydrogen-3, can help determine the amount of time it takes for half of the original amount to decay. For Hydrogen-3, it would take approximately 192 years for 1/64 of the original amount to remain. This calculation is important in various fields, including medicine and environmental science, as it allows for accurate predictions and measurements of decay rates.
  • #1
Natalie
[SOLVED] Half Life

I can't get the answer to this question.
If Hydrogen 3 ( 3H )
( 1 )
has a half life of 12.5a, how many years have passed when only 1/64 of its original mass remains?
 
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  • #2
12.5a?

Half life is a pretty simple thing, you can count this one on your fingers. 1 half life is 1/2, 2 half lives is 1/4, 3 is 1/8, 4 is 1/16, 5 is 1/32, and 6 is 1/64.

But I don't know what "12.5a" means.
 

What is half life and how is it calculated?

Half life is the amount of time it takes for half of a substance to decay or become inactive. The calculation for half life involves using the decay constant, which is the rate at which the substance decays, and the initial amount of the substance. The formula for half life is t = (ln 2)/λ, where t is the half life, ln is the natural logarithm, and λ is the decay constant.

What is the decay constant for Hydrogen-3?

The decay constant for Hydrogen-3, also known as tritium, is 0.693 per year. This means that in one year, the amount of Hydrogen-3 will decrease by 0.693.

How many years will it take for 1/64 of Hydrogen-3 to remain?

Using the formula for half life, we can calculate the amount of time it takes for 1/64 of a substance to remain. In this case, t = (ln 2)/λ = (ln 2)/0.693 = 1.005 years. Therefore, it will take approximately 1.005 years for 1/64 of Hydrogen-3 to remain.

Can half life calculations be used for any substance?

Yes, half life calculations can be used for any substance that undergoes radioactive decay. The only requirement is that the substance has a known decay constant and an initial amount can be measured.

Why is half life important in scientific research?

Half life is important in scientific research because it allows us to determine the rate of decay of a substance and predict how much of it will remain over time. This information is crucial in fields such as nuclear physics, medicine, and environmental studies. It also helps us understand the stability and potential hazards of radioactive substances.

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