SOLUTION: The radioactive element americium-241 has a half-life of 432 years. Suppose we start with a 20-g mass of americium-241. How much will be left after 367 years? Compute the answer t

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Question 673868: The radioactive element americium-241 has a half-life of 432 years. Suppose we start with a 20-g mass of americium-241.
How much will be left after 367 years? Compute the answer to three significant digits.

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The radioactive element americium-241 has a half-life of 432 years.
Suppose we start with a 20-g mass of americium-241.
How much will be left after 367 years?
:
the radioactive decay formula: A = Ao*2^(-t/h), where:
A = resulting amt after t time
Ao = initial amt (t=0)
t = time of decay
h = half-life of substance
:
A = 20*2^(-367/432)
Use a calc
A = 20 * .5549628
A = 11.099 grams after 367 yrs