Solving Radioactive Decay: Half-Life and Decay Problems

In summary, radioactive decay is the process by which unstable atoms release energy and particles to become more stable. This occurs randomly and at a constant rate known as the half-life. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a sample of radioactive material to decay and can be calculated using the equation t<sub>1/2</sub> = ln(2)/λ. The half-life of a radioactive material can be determined through various methods and cannot be changed or manipulated. Radioactive decay has various real-world applications in fields such as medicine, energy production, and archaeology.
  • #1
Tedwerd
1
0
I am confused about the half life and radioactive decay and how to figure out the problems.

here is one from my book:

A zircon sample contains 4000 atoms of the radioactive element 235U. Given that 235U has a half life of 700 million years, how long would it take to decay to 125 atoms?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
smells like homework
 
  • #3
Hi,
it is simple!
Just get the formula for radioactivity..and substitute all the number that you..
tip any physics books with a topic 'radioactivity' or google 'decay law'
 

1. What is radioactive decay and how does it work?

Radioactive decay is the process by which unstable atoms release energy and particles in order to become more stable. This can happen through the emission of alpha, beta, or gamma particles, or through the capture of electrons. Radioactive decay occurs randomly and at a constant rate, known as the half-life.

2. What is half-life and how is it calculated?

Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a sample of radioactive material to decay into a more stable form. It is calculated using the equation t1/2 = ln(2)/λ, where t1/2 is the half-life, ln(2) is the natural logarithm of 2, and λ is the decay constant specific to the radioactive material.

3. How can the half-life of a radioactive material be determined?

The half-life of a radioactive material can be determined through various methods such as counting the number of particles emitted over a period of time, measuring the decay in activity of a sample, or using mass spectrometry to analyze the isotopes present in a sample.

4. Can half-life be changed or manipulated?

No, the half-life of a radioactive material is a constant property that cannot be changed or manipulated. It is unique to each radioactive material and remains the same regardless of the amount or conditions of the sample.

5. How is radioactive decay used in real-world applications?

Radioactive decay is used in various fields such as medicine, energy production, and archaeology. In medicine, radioactive materials are used for imaging and cancer treatment. In energy production, nuclear reactors use controlled radioactive decay to generate electricity. In archaeology, the half-life of carbon-14 is used to date organic materials and determine the age of artifacts.

Similar threads

I Half life and radioactivity clarification
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
20
Views
1K
I Decay constant of Different Elements and Isotopes?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
B Shorter half-life and therefore very radioactive -- why?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Understanding radioactivity levels of different isotopes
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
14
Views
2K
B Can alpha radiation make other materials radioactive?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
B Radioactive decay characteristics as measured by a dosimeter
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
B Radioactive decay, Stability and Halflife
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
A Quantum Anti-Zeno Effect and Decay Rates
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Calculating safe levels of radioactivity
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
B Is the probability of a quantum outcome ever zero such as with....
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
907

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top