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One sixteenth of a kg remains from an original sample of 16 kg after 10.4 hours. What is the half-life (in hours) of the sample?

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Final answer:

The half-life of the sample is 41.6 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the half-life of the sample, we need to use the formula:

t = (t₁/2) * log2 (N₀ / N)

Where:

  • t is the time in hours
  • t₁/2 is the half-life
  • N₀ is the initial quantity of the sample
  • N is the remaining quantity of the sample

In this case, the initial quantity is 16 kg and the remaining quantity is 1/16 kg. Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

t = (10.4 hours) * log2 (16 kg / 1/16 kg) = (10.4 hours) * 4 = 41.6 hours

Therefore, the half-life of the sample is 41.6 hours.

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