8. What mass of plutonium-240 will remain after 32,820 years if the initial sample contained 4.8 g of plutonium-240 and it has a half-life of 6564 years?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question
**Question 8: Radioactive Decay of Plutonium-240**

What mass of plutonium-240 will remain after 32,820 years if the initial sample contained 4.8 g of plutonium-240 and it has a half-life of 6,564 years?

**Explanation:**

This problem involves the concept of radioactive decay, where a radioactive substance decreases in mass over time. The rate of decay is determined by its half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the substance to decay.

**Key Concepts:**

1. **Initial Mass**: 4.8 grams
2. **Half-Life of Plutonium-240**: 6,564 years
3. **Elapsed Time**: 32,820 years

**Calculations:**

To calculate the remaining mass, use the formula:

\[ 
m = m_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{T}} 
\]

Where:
- \( m \) = remaining mass
- \( m_0 \) = initial mass (4.8 g)
- \( t \) = elapsed time (32,820 years)
- \( T \) = half-life (6,564 years)

**Steps**:

1. **Calculate the number of half-lives**:
   \[
   \frac{t}{T} = \frac{32,820}{6,564} = 5
   \]

2. **Apply the formula**:
   \[
   m = 4.8 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^5 = 4.8 \times \frac{1}{32} = 0.15 \text{ grams}
   \]

Therefore, after 32,820 years, 0.15 grams of plutonium-240 will remain.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 8: Radioactive Decay of Plutonium-240** What mass of plutonium-240 will remain after 32,820 years if the initial sample contained 4.8 g of plutonium-240 and it has a half-life of 6,564 years? **Explanation:** This problem involves the concept of radioactive decay, where a radioactive substance decreases in mass over time. The rate of decay is determined by its half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the substance to decay. **Key Concepts:** 1. **Initial Mass**: 4.8 grams 2. **Half-Life of Plutonium-240**: 6,564 years 3. **Elapsed Time**: 32,820 years **Calculations:** To calculate the remaining mass, use the formula: \[ m = m_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{T}} \] Where: - \( m \) = remaining mass - \( m_0 \) = initial mass (4.8 g) - \( t \) = elapsed time (32,820 years) - \( T \) = half-life (6,564 years) **Steps**: 1. **Calculate the number of half-lives**: \[ \frac{t}{T} = \frac{32,820}{6,564} = 5 \] 2. **Apply the formula**: \[ m = 4.8 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^5 = 4.8 \times \frac{1}{32} = 0.15 \text{ grams} \] Therefore, after 32,820 years, 0.15 grams of plutonium-240 will remain.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Dating Techniques
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY