MHB How Long for 61Co to Reduce to 80% of Its Initial Value?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for the radioactive isotope 61Co, with a half-life of 100 minutes, to reduce to 80% of its initial value. The solution involves using the decay formula \(Q=2^{-t/100}\) to determine the time \(t\). By setting up the equation \(0.8=2^{-t/100}\) and applying logarithms, the calculation leads to \(t=-\frac{100\log(0.8)}{\log(2)}\). The final answer is determined to be 32 minutes. This method effectively demonstrates the application of logarithmic functions in radioactive decay problems.
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Jimson asks over on Yahoo Answers

I've got some A2 physics homework and unfortunately i can't seem to do the first question :

The question is: 61Co has a half life of 100 minutes. how long will it take for the radioactive isotope to reduce to 80% of the initial value?

The answer is 32 minutes, but of course i'll need the workings before it to actually prove i can do the question.

Thank you for any help given! (if any is anyway).


The key idea is that after 100 minutes 1/2 remains after 200 minutes 1/4 remains so the fraction remaining after \(t\) minutes is:

\[Q=2^{-t/100}\]

So if \(80\%\) remains we need to solve:

\[0.8=2^{-t/100}\]

which we do by taking logs (the base is unimportant as long as we use the sane base throughout):

\[\log(0.8)= -\; \frac{t}{100} \log(2)\]

So:

\[t=- \; \frac{\log(0.8)}{\log(2)} \times 100\]
 
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So since this thread is almost 10 years old, it is safe to provide the numerical answer, $$t=-\frac{100\log(0.8)}{\log(2)}=32~\text{min.}$$
 
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