Question

The starting amount of radioactive iodine-131 was 250 g. The half-life is 8 days. When Leslie measured the amount, she measured 15.625 g of radioactive iodine. How many days have elapsed between measurements

Answer 1

32 days

Step-by-step explanation:

Half life is the amount of time it takes to get to half of the starting concentration / amount.

Starting amount = 250 g

Half life = 8 days

Amount left = 15.625 g

How many days ? That is, how many half lives....

After first Half life;

Amount left = 250 / 2 = 125 g

After second half life;

Amount left = 125 / 2 = 62.5 g

After third half life;

Amount left = 62.5 / 2 = 31.25 g

After fourth half life;

Amount left = 31.25 g / 2 = 15.625 g

That is the radioactive iodine - 131 went though four half lives.

How many days = Number of half lives * Half life

How many days = 4 * 8 = 32 days