Question

Strontium-90 has a decay constan0.0248 (a 28 year half-life). If 80pounds of strontium-90 were releainto the Pacific Ocean by the tsunahow much will be left in 75 years?

Answer 1

The amount of Strontium-90 left in the Pacific after 75 years = 12.45 pounds

Step-by-step explanation

Radioactive decays are described using first order decay dynamics which is given by the general formula

M = M₀ e⁻ᵏᵗ

where

M = Mass of the substance at any time t

M₀ = Initial mass of the substance

k = decay constant or rate constant for the decay process

t = time, measured in years for this question

For this question, we are asked to calculate the mass of the substance (Strontium-90), when time, t = 75

M = ?

M₀ = 80 pounds

k = 0.0248

t = 75

M = M₀ e⁻ᵏᵗ

M = 80 e^(-0.0248 × 75)

M = 80 e^(-1.86)

M = 80 (0.15567)

M = 12.45 pounds

Hope this Helps!!!