Time it takes for 1/2 of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. 1/2 life Time it takes for 1/2 of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Table of Selected Radioisotopes 1/2 lives are constant for a certain radioisotope 1/2 lives are different for different radioisotopes (nuclides)
An atom with a short half-life decays faster than an atom with a long half life
Always a whole number usually between 1 & 5 Calculations Number of ½ life periods = Time elapsed ½ life Always a whole number usually between 1 & 5 1 2 Number of 1/2 life periods Fraction of sample remaining =
To figure out the mass remaining Find out how many half lives have elapsed Cut your number in half that many times. Ready?
Practice 120g of C-14 decays over a period of 17,145 years. What fraction remains after this time has elapsed? What mass of the original sample remains? Write the nuclear decay equation that occurs.
Practice 120g of C-14 decays over a period of 17,145 years. What fraction remains after this time has elapsed? 1/8 What mass of the original sample remains? 15 g Write the nuclear decay equation that occurs.
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