SOLUTIONNuclear Physics: Accident in Lab, Wait Time to Enter Room

In summary, workers must wait 3 days (1 half life) before they can enter the room, as the radiation from the spilled isotope will be 4 times the maximum permissible amount at that point.
  • #1
petuniac
31
0
QUESTION

in an accident in a lab a radioactive isotope with a half life of 3 days is spilled - as a result the radiation is 8 times the max. permissible amount, how long must workers wait before they can enter the room.

ANSWER

9

COMMENTS

I am not sure where to even start with this one. Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you know what half life means?
 
  • #3
half life is the amount of time it takes for the quantity to reduce to half it's initial value.. in this question it takes 3 days for us to get half of the material
 
  • #4
So this should be fairly straight forward. If you have 8x the amount and it takes 3 days for half to decay away, how long should it take
 
  • #5
huh?

maybe i am missing something here.. but that wouldn't give me 9 as a solution... sorry, I appreciate your help, but am lost on this one... please help
 
  • #6
If the radiation is 8x the maximum, 3 days later (which is 1 half life) the radiation would be 4x maximum. Can ou go from there?
 
  • #7
Thanks. Got it now!
 

FAQ: SOLUTIONNuclear Physics: Accident in Lab, Wait Time to Enter Room

What are the potential risks of a nuclear physics accident in a lab?

Some potential risks of a nuclear physics accident in a lab include exposure to harmful radiation, contamination of the lab and surrounding areas, and the release of radioactive material into the environment.

How long should one wait before entering a room where a nuclear physics accident has occurred?

The amount of time one should wait before entering a room where a nuclear physics accident has occurred depends on the severity of the accident and the specific protocols in place at the lab. In general, it is important to follow safety procedures and wait until the area has been deemed safe by trained professionals.

What steps should be taken in the event of a nuclear physics accident in a lab?

If a nuclear physics accident occurs in a lab, it is important to follow emergency procedures and evacuate the area immediately. Contact emergency personnel and trained professionals to assess the situation and take steps to mitigate any potential risks.

How can one protect themselves from a nuclear physics accident in a lab?

To protect themselves from a nuclear physics accident in a lab, individuals should follow all safety protocols and procedures, wear appropriate protective gear, and receive proper training on handling radioactive materials. It is also important to regularly monitor and maintain equipment to prevent accidents.

What measures are in place to prevent nuclear physics accidents in labs?

There are several measures in place to prevent nuclear physics accidents in labs, including strict safety protocols and procedures, proper training for lab personnel, regular equipment maintenance and monitoring, and strict regulations and oversight from governing bodies. These measures are constantly being updated and improved to ensure the safety and security of lab workers and the surrounding environment.

Similar threads

Radioactive Decay Chernobyl reactor accident
Replies
1
Views
3K
Nuclear waste and depleted uranium research paper (No math)
Replies
10
Views
2K
Some questions about Spectrum Techniques Lab
Replies
6
Views
6K
What Are the Answers to the Physics Olympiad Past Papers?
Replies
11
Views
4K
Can Two Nuclei with Different Protons and Neutrons Share the Same Nuclear Radii?
Replies
4
Views
2K
From Trade School to Nuclear Physics: My Pandemic-Induced Epiphany
Replies
2
Views
419
Solve Half-Life Problem: 80,922 Years
Replies
12
Views
5K
How Do You Calculate the Decay Constant of Copper 66?
Replies
4
Views
4K
Engineering Switching from Nuclear Engineering to Physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Chernobyl Chernobyl NPP visit radiation question
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top