Answer:
Half-life = 3 minutes
Step-by-step explanation:
Using the radioactive decay equation we can solve for reaction constant, k. And by using:
K = ln2 / Half-life
We can find half-life of polonium-218
Radioactive decay:
Ln[A] = -kt + ln [A]₀
Where:
[A] could be taken as mass of polonium after t time: 1.0mg
k is Reaction constant, our incognite
t are 12 min
[A]₀ initial amount of polonium-218: 16mg
Ln[A] = -kt + ln [A]₀
Ln[1.0mg] = -k*12min + ln [16mg]
-2.7726 = - k*12min
k = 0.231min⁻¹
Half-life = ln 2 / 0.231min⁻¹
Half-life = 3 minutes