Radioactive Isotopes and half life

In summary, radioactive isotopes are atoms with unstable nuclei that emit energy in the form of radiation. They have different types of radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma particles. Half life is the time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay, which can range from fractions of a second to billions of years. These isotopes are used in various scientific fields, such as medicine and geology, for tracking and dating purposes. The rate of radioactive decay can be affected by temperature, pressure, and other factors, but the half life remains constant. In everyday life, knowledge of half life is applied in fields like medicine and energy production, where radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging and nuclear power
  • #1
Zoey Brown
17
0

Homework Statement


If a radioactive isotope ends with 55.5 g, and has a half-life of 2.5 days, how much was

there 8.3 days ago?

Homework Equations


mf=mi(1/2^t/h)

The Attempt at a Solution


the answer i got was 554 g, is it correct?
 
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  • #2
Zoey Brown said:

Homework Statement


If a radioactive isotope ends with 55.5 g, and has a half-life of 2.5 days, how much was

there 8.3 days ago?

Homework Equations


mf=mi(1/2^t/h)

The Attempt at a Solution


the answer i got was 554 g, is it correct?
yes, its is correct
 

FAQ: Radioactive Isotopes and half life

What are radioactive isotopes?

Radioactive isotopes are atoms that have an unstable nucleus, meaning they are constantly emitting energy in the form of radiation. This radiation can be either alpha, beta, or gamma particles.

How is half life defined?

Half life is defined as the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay. This is a constant value for each isotope and can range from fractions of a second to billions of years.

How are radioactive isotopes used in scientific research?

Radioactive isotopes are used in a variety of scientific fields, including medicine, geology, and environmental science. They can be used as tracers to track the movement of substances in a system, as well as for dating purposes to determine the age of rocks and other materials.

What factors can affect the rate of radioactive decay?

The rate of radioactive decay can be affected by several factors, including temperature, pressure, and the presence of other substances. However, the half life of a particular isotope remains constant regardless of these factors.

How can the knowledge of half life be applied in everyday life?

Knowledge of half life can be applied in everyday life in various ways, such as in the fields of medicine and energy production. For example, radioactive isotopes can be used in medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases, and they can also be used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.

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