How to Calculate the Remaining Mass of a Radioactive Substance Over Time?

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In summary, decaying radiation, also known as radioactive decay, is the process by which unstable atoms release energy in order to become more stable. It is caused by the unstable nature of certain atoms and can be classified into three main types: alpha, beta, and gamma decay. Exposure to high levels of decaying radiation can be dangerous, but small amounts can be beneficial for medical purposes. Decaying radiation is measured and monitored using units such as the becquerel and specialized equipment like Geiger counters.
  • #1
mathdrama
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Basically need more help checking my answers, I think it's better if I provide the full context:

A radioactive substance with an initial mass of 300mg has a half-life of 2 years.

a) Write an equation to model the mass of the material over time.

Let A = mass of the material
Let t = time

A = 300*2^(-t/2)

b) What mass will remain after 12 years?A = 300*2^(-t/2)
A = 300*2^(-12/2)
A=300*2^(-6)
A=300*1/2^6
A=300*1/64
A=75*1/16
A=75/16
A=4.6875
 
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  • #2
That answer is numerically correct, but you should state the units: A=4.6875mg.
 

FAQ: How to Calculate the Remaining Mass of a Radioactive Substance Over Time?

What is decaying radiation?

Decaying radiation, also known as radioactive decay, is the process by which unstable atoms release energy in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves in order to become more stable.

What causes decaying radiation?

Decaying radiation is caused by the unstable nature of certain atoms, known as radioactive atoms. These atoms have an excess of energy or mass, making them unstable and leading to their eventual decay.

What are the different types of decaying radiation?

The three main types of decaying radiation are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the release of alpha particles, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons. Beta decay involves the release of beta particles, which can be either electrons or positrons. Gamma decay involves the emission of high-energy photons.

What are the dangers of decaying radiation?

Decaying radiation can be dangerous if a person is exposed to high levels of it for extended periods of time. This can lead to damage to cells and tissues in the body, which can cause health issues such as cancer. However, small amounts of decaying radiation are present in our environment and can be beneficial for medical purposes such as imaging and cancer treatment.

How is decaying radiation measured and monitored?

Decaying radiation is measured using a unit called the becquerel (Bq), which measures the rate at which atoms decay. It can also be measured in terms of the amount of radiation absorbed by a material, known as the gray (Gy). Decaying radiation is monitored using specialized equipment, such as Geiger counters, which can detect and measure the levels of radiation in an area.

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