Ask Question
11 March, 04:07

For an unknown sample of the experiment, students measure 1668 counts when they first receive their sample and 1330 counts 5 minutes later. Calculate the half-life t1/2 t 1/2 of their sample.

+3
Answers (1)
  1. 11 March, 04:25
    0
    15.29 minutes

    Explanation:

    We are given;

    Original number of counts = 1668 counts New number of counts = 1330 counts Time is 5 minutes

    We are required to determine the half life of the sample;

    We know that half life is the time it takes for a radioactive sample to decay by a half of the original amount. To calculate the remaining mass after decay we use the formula; N = N₀ * 0.5^n, where N is the remaining amount, N₀ is the original amount and n is the number of half lives. Using the formula we can calculate the value of n; Therefore;

    1330 counts = 1668 counts * 0.5^n

    Thus,

    0.5^n = 0.79736

    Introducing logarithm;

    n log 0.5 = log 0.79736

    Thus,

    n = 0.327

    But, n = time : half life

    Thus,

    Half life = time : n

    = 5 minutes : 0.327

    = 15.29 minutes

    Thus, the half life of the unknown sample is 15.29 minutes
Know the Answer?
Not Sure About the Answer?
Find an answer to your question 👍 “For an unknown sample of the experiment, students measure 1668 counts when they first receive their sample and 1330 counts 5 minutes later. ...” in 📗 Physics if the answers seem to be not correct or there’s no answer. Try a smart search to find answers to similar questions.
Search for Other Answers