Question

A radioactive element has a half-life of six days. what is the approximate decay rate of the element after the first day

Answer 1

Answer:

The decay rate of the radioactive element is 0.12 days.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate of decay, also known as activity, of a radioactive substance is the decrease in the number of radioactive nuclei per unit time. It expresses the amount of disintegration per time due to half life of the element. It can be calculated by;

                   λ =  $\frac{ln2}{t_{\frac{1}{2} } }$

Where: λ is the decay constant and $t_{\frac{1}{2} }$ is the half life of the substance. But, ln2 = 0.693147 and $t_{\frac{1}{2} }$ = 6 days.

So that;

              λ = $\frac{0.693}{6}$

                  = 0.1155 days

The approximate decay rate of the radioactive element is 0.12 days.

Answer 2

Decay Rate = ln (2) / Half-Life
Decay Rate = .693147 / 6
Decay Rate = 0.1155245 days