Definition and calculations

Created by

Max lynch

Cards (37)

What is the definition of half-life?
Time for half of radioactive atoms to decay
Why is half-life unique for each radioactive isotope?
Each isotope decays at a different rate
How does the concept of half-life help in understanding radioactive decay?
It quantifies the rate of decay over time
What does the parent nucleus decay into by emitting an alpha particle?
Daughter nucleus
What is an alpha particle?
Consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
Emitted during alpha decay
Represented as $\alpha$
If you start with 100 grams of a radioactive substance with a half-life of 5 years, how much will remain after 10 years?
25 grams
What is emitted when a nucleus undergoes alpha decay?
An alpha particle (α)
What does the term half-life refer to in the context of radioactive decay?
The time it takes for half the substance to decay
What happens to a parent nucleus during radioactive decay?
It emits particles to become a daughter nucleus
What type of particle is emitted from the parent nucleus?
Alpha particle
Can we predict when a specific nucleus will decay?
No, the process is random
How does the nucleus change when it emits an alpha particle?
It loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons
What is the formula for half-life?
N = N₀ * (1/2)^(t / T)
What are neutrons represented as in the image?
Blue circles
In the half-life formula, what does *N* represent?
The amount of substance remaining
How does the concept of half-life relate to radioactive decay?
It describes the time for half the substance to decay
How would you find the half-life (*T*) of a substance if you start with 80 grams and have 20 grams left after 6 days?
Use the half-life formula: $N =$ $N₀ *$ $(1 / 2)^(t / T)$
Rearrange to solve for *T*.
Plug in values: N₀ = 80, N = 20, t = 6.
What are the benefits of using isotopes with short half-lives in medical imaging?
Reduces radiation exposure
Allows accurate tracking of organ functions
What is the relationship between the initial amount and the remaining amount in the half-life formula?
The remaining amount decreases exponentially over time
What is a use of isotopes with short half-lives in medical imaging?
Tracing organ functions safely
What type of decay results in the emission of an alpha particle?
Alpha decay
In the half-life formula, what does *T* represent?
The half-life of the substance
What does half-life indicate in radioactive decay?
Time for half the nuclei to decay
In the half-life formula, what does N₀ represent?
The initial amount of substance
What type of decay does radioactive decay follow?
Exponential decay
In the half-life formula, what does *t* represent?
The total time that has passed
How is half-life used in carbon dating?
It helps determine the age of fossils
How does half-life assist in medical imaging?
It minimizes radiation exposure during scans
How does the concept of half-life relate to radioactive decay?
It measures the decay rate of nuclei
What are some real-world applications of half-life?
Carbon Dating
Medical Imaging
What is the half-life formula?
$N =$ $N₀ *$ $(1 / 2)^(t / T)$
What are protons represented as in the image?
Red circles
What is the concept of half-life illustrated with?
A giant pizza being eaten
How do you use the half-life formula?
Plug in known values to find the unknown
How does carbon dating differ from medical imaging in terms of half-life application?
Carbon dating estimates age, medical imaging tracks functions
What is the term used to describe the time it takes for half of a substance to decay?
Half-life
What is the process called when an unstable nucleus emits particles?
Radioactive decay