Question

An unknown radioactive element decays with a half life of 5.125 days. What is the decay constant for the element? Express your answer in 1/day.

Answer 1

Given

Half life is t=5.125 days

To find

The decay constant

Step-by-step explanation

The decay constant is given by

`\begin{gathered} \lambda=(0.693)/(t) \\ \Rightarrow\lambda=(0.693)/(5.125) \\ \Rightarrow\lambda=0.135 \end{gathered}`

Conclusion

The decay constant is 0.135 /day