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.
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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.
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