Explain the half life - Nuclear Physics, Physics

Assignment Help:

Explain the Half-Life

The decay of a nucleus is a random event.  It is not possible to predict which nucleus will decay and when.  Even though over a period of time, the decay rate is constant that permits us to predict when a given fraction of the sample has decayed.

The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a chunk of radioactive isotope to go through radioactive decay.  It is generally represented by the symbol t½ .

The half-life of germanium-69 is 36 hours.  If we begin with n atoms of 6932Ge, then at the end of 36 hours we will comprise n/2 (half) of the atoms of 6932Ge left.  The rest of the atoms will have altered into another element or isotope. At the end of the next 36 hours (that is 72 hours from the starting point) there will be n/4 atoms of 6932Ge left.  After other 36 hours have passed (108 hours from the beginning) there will be n/8 6932Ge atoms.  Observe the trend?  After every half-life we have half of the preceding amount.


Related Discussions:- Explain the half life - Nuclear Physics

Inducing a positive charge on a sphere, Inducing a Positive Charge on a Sph...

Inducing a Positive Charge on a Sphere The given below animation depicts the induction procedure. The neutral conducting sphere is at rest on top of an insulating stand. An unh

What is the true weight of the satellite, A satellite has a mass of 5900 kg...

A satellite has a mass of 5900 kg and is in a circular orbit 3.0 x 10 5  m above the surface of a planet. The period of the orbit is two hours. The radius of the planet is 4.15 x 1

Explain the types of x-rays, Depending upon the penetration power, there ar...

Depending upon the penetration power, there are two parts of X-rays Hard X-rays More penetration power More frequency of the order of ≈ 1019 Hz Lesser wavelength range

Conductivity of extrinsic semiconductor with temperature, The conductivity ...

The conductivity of an extrinsic semiconductor (A) Decreases with temperature. (B) Increases with temperature. (C) Remains constant with temperature. (D) Decrea

Describe motion in two dimensions, Motion of an object in a plane is called...

Motion of an object in a plane is called two dimensional (2-D) motions. For 2-D motion acceleration or velocity can be explained by two elements in any two mutually perpendicular d

Magnetic materials, Materials which can be magnetized are called magnetic m...

Materials which can be magnetized are called magnetic materials. When magnetized, such materials create a magnetic field around them. Some of the significant features of magnetic m

Define critical temperature, Q. Define critical temperature. The tempe...

Q. Define critical temperature. The temperature at that electrical resistivity of the material suddenly drops to zero and the material changes from normal conductor to a super

Explain what is light, Q. Explain what is light? Light is certainly ele...

Q. Explain what is light? Light is certainly electromagnetic radiation but the expression electromagnetic radiation is by no means an explanation of what light is. Light is a w

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd