- #1
Lissajoux
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Homework Statement
[itex]{}^{241}_{95}[/itex]Am produces [itex]\alpha[/itex] particles, which interact with [itex]{}_{4}^{9}[/itex] Be to produce neutrons.
The Am sample emits [itex]\alpha[/itex] particles at a rate of [itex]70.0s^{-1}[/itex] on June 16, 1996.
What was the activity on June 16, 2004?
Homework Equations
The half life for [itex]{}^{241}[/itex]Am :
[tex]T_{1/2}=432.2y[/tex]
Also know that:
[tex]A=-\frac{dN}{dt}=\lambda N[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
I know this calculation isn't particularly tricky, but I just can't figure it out at the moment
I've calculated the wavelength:
[tex]\lambda = \frac{ln(2)}{T_{1/2}} = \frac{ln(2)}{1.363\times 10^{10}}} = 5.086\times 10^{-11}m = 0.05nm[/tex]
Then guessing just need to calculate what the value of N is, and can multiply this with the value of [itex]\lambda[/itex] to get A.
Now N, or rather N(t), is just the number of nuclei remaining in the sample after a time t.
I'm not sure, but is this just.. 241?! :shy:
I'm getting a bit confused with this, really shouldn't be I know , but a bit of guidance would be great.