Strontium-90 is a byproduct in nuclear reactors fueled by the radioisotope uranium-235. The half-life of strontium-90 is 28.8 yr. What percentage of a strontium-90 sample remains after 75.0 yr?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The percentage remaining can be calculated using the formula: (1/2)^(time/half-life). For 75 years and a half-life of 28.8 years, the calculation is (1/2)^(75/28.8) ≈ 0.165 or 16.5%.

Strontium-90 Is a Byproduct in Nuclear Reactors Fueled by the Radioisotope