Understanding Radioactive Half-Life

Front

Half-life (in the context of radioactive decay)

Back

The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

If a radioactive isotope has a half-life of 10 years, how much of a 100g sample will remain after 20 years?

Back

25g

Front

A sample of a radioactive substance decays from 80g to 10g in 30 years. What is the half-life of the substance?

Back

10 years

Front

If a radioactive element has a half-life of 5 years, how many half-lives will have passed after 20 years?

Back

4

Front

A 200g sample of a radioactive isotope decays to 25g in 15 years. How many half-lives have passed?

Back

3

Front

What fraction of a radioactive sample remains after 3 half-lives?

Back

Front

If a radioactive isotope has a half-life of 8 years, how much of a 160g sample will remain after 24 years?

Back

20g

Front

Real-world application of half-life:
- Measuring the speed of light
- Carbon dating of archaeological artifacts
- Calculating the distance between stars
- Determining the boiling point of water

Back

Carbon dating of archaeological artifacts

Front

A radioactive substance has a half-life of 6 years. If you start with a 48g sample, how much will remain after 18 years?

Back

6g

Front

Back

4