How many halE lives would hae to elapse for a Sample of a radioachtve isotope to decraase Of 3cpm? fram an activity of 48 cpm to an achyity o! acthuily

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**Question:**

How many half-lives would have to elapse for a sample of a radioactive isotope to decrease from an activity of 48 cpm to an activity of 3 cpm?

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**Explanation:**

This question involves calculating the number of half-lives required for a radioactive substance to decrease in activity from 48 counts per minute (cpm) to 3 cpm. The activity of a radioactive isotope decreases by half with each half-life. Therefore, you can solve this by using the formula:

\[ \text{Final Activity} = \text{Initial Activity} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n \]

Where:
- Final Activity = 3 cpm
- Initial Activity = 48 cpm
- \( n \) = number of half-lives

You can rearrange and solve this equation to find \( n \):

\[ 3 = 48 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n \]

By dividing both sides by 48 and solving for \( n \), you can find how many half-lives have elapsed.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** How many half-lives would have to elapse for a sample of a radioactive isotope to decrease from an activity of 48 cpm to an activity of 3 cpm? --- **Explanation:** This question involves calculating the number of half-lives required for a radioactive substance to decrease in activity from 48 counts per minute (cpm) to 3 cpm. The activity of a radioactive isotope decreases by half with each half-life. Therefore, you can solve this by using the formula: \[ \text{Final Activity} = \text{Initial Activity} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n \] Where: - Final Activity = 3 cpm - Initial Activity = 48 cpm - \( n \) = number of half-lives You can rearrange and solve this equation to find \( n \): \[ 3 = 48 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n \] By dividing both sides by 48 and solving for \( n \), you can find how many half-lives have elapsed.
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