Plutonium−239 (t1/2 = 2.41 × 104 yr) represents a serious nuclear waste hazard. if seven half-lives are required to reach a tole
rable level of radioactivity, how long must 239 pu be stored? enter your answer in scientific notation.
2 answers:
Plutonium − 239 must be stored for = 1,687 .10 ^ 5 years to reach a tolerable level of radioactivity
<h3><em>Further explanation</em></h3>
The atomic nucleus can experience decay into 2 particles or more due to the instability of its atomic nucleus.
Usually radioactive elements have an unstable atomic nucleus.
The main particles emitted by radioactive elements so that they generally decay are alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) particles
General formula used in decay:
Information :
T = duration of decay
t 1/2 = elemental half-life
N₀ = the number of initial radioactive atoms
Nt = the number of radioactive atoms left after decaying during T time
Plutonium − 239 has a half-life of t1/2 = 2.41 × 10⁴ years
To reach a tolerable level of radioactivity, Plutonium − 239 must be stored for 7 times half-life, namely:
= 7 x 2.41 × 10⁴ years
= 1,687 .10⁵ years
<h3><em>Learn more</em></h3>The identity of the missing nucleus
the process of radioactive decay
nuclear fusion and nuclear fission reactions
the product of radioactive decay
Keywords: decay, radioactive, Plutonium − 239, The atomic nucleus
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