Since the half-life of 235U (7.13×108 years) is less than that of 238U (4.51×109 years), the isotopic abundance of 235U in natural uranium has been steadily decreasing since the earth was formed. How many years ago was the isotopic abundance of 235U in natural uranium equal to 3.0 atom percent, that is, the enrichment of uranium used in many nuclear power plants? (Assume that uranium is composed only of 235U and 238U isotopes.)

Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
8th Edition
ISBN:9781259696527
Author:J.M. Smith Termodinamica en ingenieria quimica, Hendrick C Van Ness, Michael Abbott, Mark Swihart
Publisher:J.M. Smith Termodinamica en ingenieria quimica, Hendrick C Van Ness, Michael Abbott, Mark Swihart
Chapter1: Introduction
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Since the half-life of 235U (7.13×108
years) is less than that of 238U (4.51×109
years), the isotopic abundance of 235U in natural uranium has been steadily decreasing
since the earth was formed. How many years ago was the isotopic abundance of 235U in
natural uranium equal to 3.0 atom percent, that is, the enrichment of uranium used in
many nuclear power plants? (Assume that uranium is composed only of 235U and 238U
isotopes.)

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