Chapter 20, Problem 96AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The dangers of ${}^{\text{90}}\text{Sr}$ for humans is to be determined and its radioactivity is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The rate of decay for a particular isotope is given by the rate law as:

$\text{Rate}=k\text{N}$

Here, $k$ is the rate constant for radioactive decay and $\text{N}$ is the number of atoms in the sample.

Nearly all radioactive decay is of the first order and its rate constant is given as:

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

Here, $t_{1/2}$ is the half-life of the radioactive substance.

One curie is defined as $3.7\times {\text{ 10}}^{\text{10}}$ disintegration occurring per second, which is nearly equal to the rate of decay of $1\text{ g}$ radium.