Question:

After 2 h $\frac{1}{16} th $ of initial amount of a certain radioactive isotope remains undecayed. The half-life of the isotope is

Updated On: Jul 2, 2022
  • 15 min
  • 30 min
  • 45 min
  • 60 min
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

If N be the number of radioactive substance, left at some instant of time and $N_0$ be the number of atoms initially present in the substance, then number of atoms left after n-half lives is given by N = $N_0 \big(\frac{1}{2}\big)^n .$ Given, $\frac{N}{N_0} = \frac{1}{16}$ $\therefore \frac{1}{16} = \big(\frac{1}{2}\big)^n$ $ \frac{1}{16} = \frac{1}{2^4}$ $\Rightarrow n = 4$ Also $ n = \frac{t}{T^{1/2}}$ $ T_{1/2} = \frac{t}{n} = \frac{2}{4} \times 60 \, min = 30 \, min$
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Concepts Used:

Nuclei

In the year 1911, Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus along with his associates. It is already known that every atom is manufactured of positive charge and mass in the form of a nucleus that is concentrated at the center of the atom. More than 99.9% of the mass of an atom is located in the nucleus. Additionally, the size of the atom is of the order of 10-10 m and that of the nucleus is of the order of 10-15 m.

Read More: Nuclei

Following are the terms related to nucleus:

  1. Atomic Number
  2. Mass Number
  3. Nuclear Size
  4. Nuclear Density
  5. Atomic Mass Unit