Hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is 710 years.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the remaining amount of silicon-32 after 600 years, given its half-life of 710 years. Participants explore different mathematical approaches to model radioactive decay, including the exponential decay formula and its implications.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method using the formula $A=A_0 e^{kt}$ to find the decay constant $k$ based on the half-life.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative formula $A(t)=A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{H}}$ to calculate the remaining amount after a specified time.
  • A participant questions the absence of the base $e$ in the previous calculations, prompting a clarification on the relationship between the two formulas.
  • Further clarification is provided that both approaches ultimately lead to the same result, emphasizing the equivalence of the exponential decay and half-life formulas.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the insights shared, indicating a collaborative atmosphere in resolving the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical principles involved in radioactive decay, but there are different approaches presented without a clear consensus on which method is preferable.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the steps taken in their calculations and the justification for their methods, indicating that further clarification may be needed regarding the assumptions behind the formulas used.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about radioactive decay, those seeking different methods for solving related problems, or individuals interested in the mathematical modeling of decay processes.

karush
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MHB
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oops this is a pre calc question

$\tiny{hcc.18}$
the half life of silicon-32 is $710$ years.
If $10g$ are present now
how much will be present in 600 yrs?
to find out $k$ using
$$A=A_0 e^{kt}$$
$$\frac{1}{2}=e^{k \cdot 710}$$
$$\ln\left[\frac{1}{2}\right]=k\cdot710$$
$$\frac{\ln(1/2)}{710}=k=-0.00097626$$
I continued with this but the answer was ?
 
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Given that we know the half-life $H$, we may write:

$$A(t)=A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{H}}$$

Plug in the given data:

$$A(t)=10\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{710}}$$

And so:

$$A(600)=?$$
 
Re: hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is \$710\$ years.

where is $e$ ??
 
Re: hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is \$710\$ years.

karush said:
where is $e$ ??

Between 2 and 3...hehehe.

Seriously though...we know:

$$A(t)=A_0e^{-kt}$$

And we know:

$$A(710)=\frac{1}{2}A_0=A_0e^{-710k}\implies \frac{1}{2}=e^{-710k}\implies e^{-k}=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{1}{710}}$$

And so we have:

$$A(t)=A_0e^{-kt}=A_0\left(e^{-k}\right)^t=A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{710}}$$
 
ok
I was pacing the floor wondering:D

great help and insight
again from MHB😎
 
karush said:
ok
I was pacing the floor wondering:D

great help and insight
again from MHB😎

Mentally, I didn't go through all that I posted...I simply reasoned that for every 710 years the amount of substance is cut in half, which leads directly to the relation I posted. However, I felt it should be mathematically justified. (Yes)
 

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