Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Nuclei

Question:

If the half-lives of a radioactive element for $α$ and $β$ decay are 4 year and 12 years respectively, then the percentage of the element that remains after 12 year will be -

Options:

6.25 %

5.25%

4.25 %

3.50 %

Correct Answer:

6.25 %

Explanation:

Effective half life of decay is $T = \frac{4\times 12}{4+12} = 3 years$

$ n = \frac{t}{T} = \frac{12}{3} = 4$

$\frac{N}{N_0}=(\frac{1}{2})^{n}=(\frac{1}{2})^4=\frac{1}{16}$

Percentage remains after 12 years is $\frac{100}{16}\%=6.25\%$