Question

Element X is a radioactive isotope such that every 30 years, its mass decreases by half. Given that the initial mass of a sample of Element X is 100 grams, how long would it be until the mass of the sample reached 64 grams, to the nearest tenth of a year?

Answer 1

Answer:

19.3 years

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that the initial mass of a sample of Element X is 100 grams,

The formula is given as:

N(t) = No × (1/2) ^t/t½

Element X is a radioactive isotope such that every 30 years, its mass decreases by half.

N(t) = Mass after time (t)

No = Initial mass = 100 grams

t½ = Half life = 30 grams

N(t) = 100 × (1/2) ^t/30

How long would it be until the mass of the sample reached 64 grams, to the nearest tenth of a year?

This means we are to find the time

N(t) = 100 × (1/2) ^t/30

N(t) = 64 grams

64 = 100(1/2)^t/30

Divide both sides by 100

64/100 = 100(1/2)^t/30/100

0.64 = (1/2)^t/30

Take the Log of both sides

log 0.64 = log (1/2)^t/30

log 0.64 = t/30(1/2)

t = 19.315685693242 years

Approximately = 19.3 years