If a sample initially contains 1.35 mg of Plutonium-236,what mass of Pu-236 is present after 5.00 years? (half-life is 2.86 years)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the formula for radioactive decay:

Nt = N0 x (1/2)^(t/T)

where Nt is the final amount of Pu-236, N0 is the initial amount of Pu-236, t is the time elapsed, and T is the half-life of Pu-236.

Substituting the values given:

Nt = 1.35 mg x (1/2)^(5/2.86) = 0.402 mg

Therefore, the mass of Pu-236 present after 5.00 years is 0.402 mg, which corresponds to choice B.

If a Sample Initially Contains 1