how long will it take for 100 grams of a substance with a half life of 2 years to decay to a mass of 50 grams?
A half life of 2 years means the mass will half every two years. After two years the 100 grams will become 100/2 = 50 grams. Therefore it will take 2 years to decay to a mass of 50 grams.
Answer: 2 years.
Explanation:
Half life is the amount of time taken by a radioactive material to decay to half of its original value.
Half life is represented by \(t_{\frac{1}{2}\)
\(t_{\frac{1}{2}=\frac{0.693}{\lambda}\)
\(\lambda\) = rate constant
As the initial amount of 100 grams is decaying to mass of 50 grams which is half of initial value, it will take 2 years for the decay.