Chapter 19, Problem 72AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Half-life of plutonium- $239$ is given. Time required for it to decrease its activity to $0.1\%$ of its original value is to be calculated.

Concept introduction: The process in which a given nucleus undergoes decomposition leading to the formation of another nucleus is known as radioactive decay. The cause of instability of a nuclide is its inefficiency in holding the nucleus together. Half-life of plutonium is very long.

To determine: Time required for it to decrease its activity to $0.1\%$ of its original value.