Hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is 710 years.

In summary, the conversation discusses the half-life of silicon-32, which is 710 years. Using the formula $A=A_0 e^{kt}$, the value of $k$ is found to be -0.00097626. The conversation also includes a discussion on finding the exponential decay equation and the application of the half-life concept.
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
3,269
5
oops this is a pre calc question

$\tiny{hcc.18}$
the half life of silicon-32 is $710$ years.
If $10g$ are present now
how much will be present in 600 yrs?
to find out $k$ using
$$A=A_0 e^{kt}$$
$$\frac{1}{2}=e^{k \cdot 710}$$
$$\ln\left[\frac{1}{2}\right]=k\cdot710$$
$$\frac{\ln(1/2)}{710}=k=-0.00097626$$
I continued with this but the answer was ?
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Given that we know the half-life $H$, we may write:

\(\displaystyle A(t)=A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{H}}\)

Plug in the given data:

\(\displaystyle A(t)=10\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{710}}\)

And so:

\(\displaystyle A(600)=?\)
 
  • #3
Re: hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is \$710\$ years.

where is $e$ ??
 
  • #4
Re: hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is \$710\$ years.

karush said:
where is $e$ ??

Between 2 and 3...hehehe.

Seriously though...we know:

\(\displaystyle A(t)=A_0e^{-kt}\)

And we know:

\(\displaystyle A(710)=\frac{1}{2}A_0=A_0e^{-710k}\implies \frac{1}{2}=e^{-710k}\implies e^{-k}=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{1}{710}}\)

And so we have:

\(\displaystyle A(t)=A_0e^{-kt}=A_0\left(e^{-k}\right)^t=A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{710}}\)
 
  • #5
ok
I was pacing the floor wondering:D

great help and insight
again from MHB😎
 
  • #6
karush said:
ok
I was pacing the floor wondering:D

great help and insight
again from MHB😎

Mentally, I didn't go through all that I posted...I simply reasoned that for every 710 years the amount of substance is cut in half, which leads directly to the relation I posted. However, I felt it should be mathematically justified. (Yes)
 

FAQ: Hcc.18 the half life of silicon-32 is 710 years.

1. What is the significance of the half-life of silicon-32?

The half-life of a radioactive isotope, such as silicon-32, is the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay into a more stable form. It is an important measure of the rate of radioactive decay and can be used to determine the age of a material or track the progress of a nuclear reaction.

2. How long is the half-life of silicon-32?

The half-life of silicon-32 is 710 years. This means that after 710 years, half of the atoms in a sample of silicon-32 will have decayed into a more stable form.

3. How is the half-life of silicon-32 determined?

The half-life of silicon-32, and any other radioactive isotope, is determined through experiments in a laboratory. Scientists can measure the rate of decay of a sample of silicon-32 and use this data to calculate its half-life.

4. Why is it important to know the half-life of silicon-32?

The half-life of silicon-32 is important for many reasons. It can be used to date materials, such as rocks and fossils, and track the progress of nuclear reactions. It is also essential for understanding the potential health risks associated with exposure to this radioactive isotope.

5. Can the half-life of silicon-32 change?

No, the half-life of a radioactive isotope is a constant value that does not change. It is a fundamental property of the isotope and is not affected by external factors such as temperature or pressure.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top