Question

1. An isotope of cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years. If 5.0 g of cesium-

137 decays over 60 years, how many grams will remain?

Answer 1

1.25 g

Step-by-step explanation:

Now we have to use the formula;

N/No = (1/2)^t/t1/2

N= mass of cesium-137 left after a time t (the unknown)

No= mass of cesium-137 present at the beginning = 5.0 g

t= time taken for 5.0 g of cesium-137 to decay =60 years

t1/2= half life of cesium-137= 30 years

Substituting values;

N/5= (1/2)^60/30

N/5= (1/2)^2

N/5= 1/4

4N= 5

N= 5/4

N= 1.25 g

Therefore, 1.25 g of cesium-137 will remain after 60 years.