Question

Element X is a radioactive isotope such that every 27 years, its mass decreases by half. Given that the initial mass of a sample of Element X is 50 grams, how much of the element would remain after 16 years, to the nearest whole number?

Answer 1

33 grams remain after 16 years

Explanation:

The formula is
`A= A_(o) (0.5)^(t/h)`

h = 27

Ao = 50

t = 16

So enter into formula

`A=50(0.5)^(16/27)`

`A=50(0.5)^(0.59259259259) \\A= 50(0.66315012286)\\A= 33.158`

After rounding to the nearest whole number,

33.158 is = 33