Sample #1 is made from an isotope with decay constant
And sample #2 is made from an isotope with decay constant
,where
)Which of the following statements must be true?
A) The activity of sample #2 is greater than that of sample #1.
B) The activity of sample #1 is greater than that of sample #2.
C) The half-life exhibited for sample #1 is greater than that of sample #2.
D) The half-life exhibited for sample #2 is greater than that for sample #1

Question

Sample #1 is made from an isotope with decay constant 
And sample #2 is made from an isotope with decay constant 
,where 
)Which of the following statements must be true?
A) The activity of sample #2 is greater than that of sample #1. 
B) The activity of sample #1 is greater than that of sample #2. 
C) The half-life exhibited for sample #1 is greater than that of sample #2. 
D) The half-life exhibited for sample #2 is greater than that for sample #1

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay constant is inversely proportional to the half-life. Therefore, the isotope with a higher decay constant (sample #2) will have a shorter half-life than the one with the lower decay constant (sample #1). Therefore, D is the correct option. It is not possible to determine which sample has a greater activity based on the given information.

Sample #1 Is Made from an Isotope with Decay Constant