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A radioactive material has a count rate of 1600 counts per minute. It has a half life of 20 minutes. How long will it take to decay to a rate of 100 counts per minute?

Respuesta :

80 minutes because:

1600 -> 20mins -> 800

800 -> 20 mins -> 400

400 -> 20 mins -> 200

200 -> 20 mins -> 100

4*20 mins = 80 minutes

The time taken for the radioactive material to decay from 1600 counts per min to 100 counts per min is 80 minutes

We'll begin by calculating the number of half-lives that has elapsed. This can be obtained as follow:

Original amount (N₀) = 1600 count per min

Amount remaining (N) = 100 count per min

Number of half-lives (n) =?

N × 2ⁿ = N₀

100 × 2ⁿ = 1600

Divide both side by 100

2ⁿ = 1600 / 100

2ⁿ = 16

2ⁿ = 2⁴

n = 4

Thus, 4 half-lives has elapsed

Finally, we shall determine the time taken for the radioactive material to reduce to 100 counts per min. This can be obtained as follow;

Number of half-lives (n) = 4

Half-life (t½) = 20 mins

Time (t) =?

t = n × t½

t = 4 × 20

t = 80 mins

Therefore, it will take 80 mins for the radioactive material to decay to 100 counts per min

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