The atomic ratio between U-238 and U-234 in a sample is 1.8 x 104. The half-life of U-234 is 2.5 x 10^5 years. Find the half-life of U-238.
Correct answer: D. None of these
- A. 2.5 x 10^9 years
- B. 2.5 x 10^8 years
- C. 4.5 x 10^9 years
- D. None of these
Explanation
The two isotopes are in radioactive equilibrium. Hence activities of the two will be equal. Thus, λ1N1 = λ2N2 , where, λ1 , λ2 are decay constant of 238U and 234U respectivelyN1 and N2 are number of atoms of 238U and 234U respectively, we havewhere T is half life of 238U
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