What percentage of a given mass of a radioactive substance will be left undecayed after five half-life periods? |
5.723% 3.125% 1.289% 6.567% |
3.125% |
The correct answer is Option (2) → 3.125% Fraction remaining after n half-lives: $N = N_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n$ Given: $n = 5$ $N = N_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^5 = N_0 \frac{1}{32}$ Percentage remaining: $\frac{N}{N_0} \times 100 = \frac{1}{32} \times 100 \approx 3.125\%$ Percentage left undecayed = 3.125% |