15/16 of radioactive atoms decay in 16 hours. The half-life of the element is
Correct answer: B. 8 hours
- A. 16 hours
- B. 8 hours
- C. 4 hours
- D. 2 hours
Explanation
B is the right option because The concept of half-life indicates the time taken for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. Since 15/16 of the atoms decay in 16 hours, this is equivalent to 1/2 of the original quantity decaying in 16 hours, indicating that the half-life is half of this time, which is 8 hours.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Nuclear Physics
Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.
Practise Nuclear Physics
1,257 free Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.