Half-Life Flashcards
1
Q
Half-life
A
Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay. Isotope X has a half-life of 2 hours and you start with 100kg of the substance. After 2 hours, 50kg left, after 2 hours 25kg left, after 2 hours 12.5kg
2
Q
Half-Life solving techniques: Halving
A
For this technique, first determine how many half-lives have occurred. Then start with the initial amount, and find the next amount (second half life), by halving the initial amount. Repeat this until you have reached the required number of half-lives.
3
Q
Half-Life Solving Techniques
A
N = N0 (1/2)^n
N is number that has not decayed
N0 is amount initially
n is number of half lives
