In order to have 1/16 of a radioactive sample left how many half lives must the sample go through to reach this amount?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To have 1/16 of a radioactive sample left, the sample must go through 4 half-lives. This is because each half-life reduces the amount of the sample by half: after 1 half-life, 1/2 is left; after 2 half-lives, 1/4 is left; after 3 half-lives, 1/8 is left; and after 4 half-lives, 1/16 is left.

In Order to Have 1/16 of a Radioactive Sample Left