Provide an appropriate response.
-A certain radioactive isotope decays at a rate of 0.15% per year. Determine the half-life of this isotope, to the nearest year.
A)462 years
B)201 years
C)5 years
D)333 years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The half-life of a radioactive isotope can be calculated using the formula $T_{1/2} = \frac{\ln(2)}{r}$, where $T_{1/2}$ is the half-life and $r$ is the decay rate per period. Given a decay rate of 0.15% per year, or $r = 0.0015$ per year, the half-life is $T_{1/2} = \frac{\ln(2)}{0.0015} \approx 462$ years.

Provide an Appropriate Response