Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsThe Nucleus
A vessel holds 4 10²³ tritium atoms. If the half-life for the decay of tritium nuclei is 12.3 y , calculate the number of decays taking place in the subsequent 10 hours .
Options
- A2.57 10¹⁹
- B5.14 10¹⁹
- C7.15 10¹⁵
- D1.54 10²¹
Correct answer
A. 2.57 10¹⁹
Step-by-step solution
The number of decays in a small time interval t is given by N = N₀ t , since t T_ 1/2 . The decay constant = 2 T_ 1/2 . Given T_ 1/2 = 12.3 y = 12.3 365 24 hours = 107748 hours . Substituting the values: N = 0.693 107748 4 10²³ 10 N 2.57 10¹⁹