The decay of radioactive nuclei is a first-order kinetic process. Determine the half-life for the decay of ²³⁸U to ²⁰⁶Pb if the first-order rate constant is 4.87 x 10^-18s^-1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The half-life ($t_{1/2}$) for a first-order reaction is given by the formula $t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{k}$, where $k$ is the rate constant. Substituting $k = 4.87 \times 10^{-18} \, s^{-1}$ into the formula gives $t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{4.87 \times 10^{-18}} \, s = 1.42 \times 10^{17} \, s$.

The Decay of Radioactive Nuclei Is a First-Order Kinetic Process