Half life

The video tutorial explains radioactive decay and the concept of half-life, highlighting its unpredictability and how it can be measured. It uses examples like dice to illustrate half-life and discusses its application in nature with isotopes like iodine-131 and carbon-14. The video also covers the use of half-life in radiocarbon dating and medical applications, emphasizing the varying durations of half-lives. It concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content.

What is the term used to describe the time it takes for half of a sample of radioactive atoms to decay?

• Half-life

• Decay rate

• Decay period

• Radioactive interval

If a radioactive isotope has a half-life of 8 days, what does this mean?

• It takes 8 days for the isotope to become stable.

• The isotope will completely decay in 8 days.

• Half of the isotope's atoms will decay in 8 days.

• The isotope will double in quantity every 8 days.

How is the half-life of carbon-14 used in radiocarbon dating?

• To determine the age of living organisms.

• To measure the current carbon levels in the atmosphere.

• To estimate the time since death of an organism.

• To predict future carbon emissions.

Why are short half-life radionuclides used in medicine?

• They are easier to store and transport.

• They are more effective in treating diseases.

• They decay quickly, minimizing radiation exposure.

• They are less expensive to produce.

What is the significance of potassium-40 in the human body?

• It is used in the synthesis of proteins.

• It is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope.

• It helps in the digestion process.

• It is a major source of energy.