The activity of a radioactive sample is the number of decays per minute that occur in...

The activity of a radioactive sample is the number of decays per minute that occur in the sample. We measured this by detecting the radiation entering the Geiger tube window. Explain why our readings were actually only a small fraction of the actual activity. Also, why did that not seem to matter in the determination of Barium-137m’s half-life? Refer to either your A vs. t or your ln A vs. t graph in your explanation.

Expert Solution

genius_generous answered 3 years ago

The activity of a radioactive sample is the number nuclear disintegrations per second, which is equal...

The activity of a radioactive sample is the number nuclear disintegrations per second, which is equal to the first-order rate constant times the number of radioactive nuclei present. The fundamental unit of radioactivity is the curie (Ci), where 1 Ci corresponds to exactly 3.70 × 1010 disintegrations per second. This decay rate is equivalent to that of 1 g of radium−226. The molar mass of Ra−226 is 226.03 g/mol. a.Calculate the rate constant for the radium decay. b.Calculate the half-life...

Consider the production series of radioactive sample A decays to sample B then decays to stable...

Consider the production series of radioactive sample A decays to sample B then decays to stable sample C. Na(0)=N0; Nb(0)=N0/4. lambda A and lambda B is equal to lambda. Derive the activity of sample B as a function of time (t), and the time at which Nb is maximum. Show all of the steps in your work and how you get the answers.

(a) (i) A radioactive sample produces 1536 decays per second at one point in an experiment...

(a) (i) A radioactive sample produces 1536 decays per second at one point in an experiment and 55.888 years later produces 320 decays per second. What is the half-life of this sample? (ii) What is the decay (in y-1)? (iii) What is the mean lifetime of the material? (b) What fraction of a sample of phosphrous-32 is left after 64.26 days? (the half-life of phosphorous-32 is 14.28 days) (c) What period of time is required for a sample of radioacive...

An unknown radioactive element decays into non-radioactive substances. In 340 days the radioactivity of a sample...

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Radioactive Decays What are the three most common types of radioactive decays? How do they differ?...

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You have a dataset of the average number of chirps per minute for a sample of...

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3. The counting rate of a radioactive sample (including background) is 1200 counts in one minute....

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1) A radioactive substance decays at a rate proportional to the amount of the substance at...

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Outside the nucleus, the neutron itself is radioactive and decays into a proton, an electron, and...

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