SOLUTION: the half-life of a particular element is 4 days. after 20 days a sample has been reduced to a mass of 0.375g. what was the initial mass of the sample?
Question 549639: the half-life of a particular element is 4 days. after 20 days a sample has been reduced to a mass of 0.375g. what was the initial mass of the sample? Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! the half-life of a particular element is 4 days.
after 20 days a sample has been reduced to a mass of 0.375g.
what was the initial mass of the sample?
:
the radioactive decay formula: A = Ao*2^(-t/h), where
A = resulting amt after t time
Ao = initial amt
t = time
h = half-life of substance
:
Ao*2^(-20/4) = .375
Ao*2^(-5) = .375
Ao*.03125 = .375
Ao =
Ao = 12 grams, the initial mass of the sample
:
:
Check this on your calc: enter 12*2^(-20/4) result .375
