Question

iodine-123 is used to study thyroid gland function. this radioactive isotope breaks down in a first-order process with a half-life of 13.1 h. what is the rate constant for this process?

Answer 1

The rate constant for the decay of iodine-123 is approximately 0.05277 h^-1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate constant for a first-order process can be determined using the half-life equation:

t1/2 = (0.693 / k)

Here, t1/2 is the half-life and k is the rate constant.

In this case, the half-life of iodine-123 is given as 13.1 hours. Plugging this value into the equation:

13.1 = (0.693 / k)

Solving for k:

= 0.693 / 13.1 = 0.05277 h-1

So, the rate constant for this process is approximately 0.05277 h-1.