Radioactive isotope A has a half-life of one year, while radioactive isotope B has a half-life of one day. If equal numbers of atoms of each are present, which will give the highest reading on a Geiger counter?
A)A
B)B
C)both the same
How much of the original sample of radioactive isotope A will be left at the end of the second year?
D)none
E)one-quarter
F)one-half
G)one-eighth

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) Radioactive isotope B, with a half-life of one day, will decay much faster than isotope A, resulting in a higher rate of radiation emission and thus a higher reading on a Geiger counter.E) After the first year, half of the original sample of isotope A remains due to its one-year half-life. After the second year, half of that remaining half will still be present, leaving one-quarter of the original sample.

Radioactive Isotope a Has a Half-Life of One Year, While