Chapter 14, Problem 123AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The time taken for decay of plutonium-$239$ to $1.0\times {10}^2\text{g}$, from its original amount, is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An atom having an unstable nucleus decomposes spontaneously by emission of a nuclear electron. It is known as a radioactive atom.

Half-life is the time required by a substance to reduce to half of its original quantity. Half-life for a substance can be calculated as follows:

$t_{1/2}=\frac{0.693}{k}$

Here, $t_{1/2}$ is the half-life of the substance and $k$ is the rate constant for the decomposition reaction of the substance.