The radioactive isotope tritium decays with a first-order rate constant k of 0.056 yr^-1. What fraction of the tritium initially in a sample is still present 30. years later?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay of tritium follows first-order kinetics, described by the equation N = N0 * e^(-kt), where N is the amount remaining, N0 is the initial amount, k is the rate constant, and t is the time. Plugging in the given values (k = 0.056 yr^-1 and t = 30 years), we find N/N0 = e^(-0.056*30) ≈ 0.19, indicating that 19% of the tritium remains after 30 years.

The Radioactive Isotope Tritium Decays with a First-Order Rate Constant