A sample of a radioactive isotope is found to have lost 14.0% of its original activity after 8.67 days.What is the rate constant for decay of this isotope?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate constant (k) can be calculated using the formula for first-order decay: ln(N0/N) = kt, where N0 is the initial activity, N is the remaining activity, and t is the time. Given that 14% is lost, 86% remains, so ln(1/0.86) = k * 8.67. Solving for k gives approximately 0.0174 d⁻¹.

A Sample of a Radioactive Isotope Is Found to Have