Chapter 24, Problem 47A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The factors that determine the amount of a given radioisotope in nature needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Radioisotopes are elementary radioactive isotopes. They can also be described as atoms having an unstable neutron and proton mixture in their nucleus. Radioisotopes may also be used through a chemical reaction to track the course of an element. For example, ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ gas containing isotopes of radioactive carbon-14 was used to study the production of glucose in photosynthesis.

Answer to Problem 47A

Half-life determine the amount of a given radioisotope in nature.

Explanation of Solution

Every radioisotope will have its own half-life characteristic. Chemical reaction rates and the presence of a catalyst are significantly influenced by variations in temperature, pressure, and concentration. Nuclear reaction levels, by comparison, remain stable regardless of those changes. In general, any given radioisotope's half-life is constant. Because of this, the age of an object can be measured by using radioisotopes.

Conclusion

The time needed for one-half of a radioisotope’s nuclei to decay into its products is termed as half-life.