A radioactive element decays to 1/64th of its initial activity in 30 days. Its half life is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 5 days
Using exponential decay law -
$A(t)=A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{T_{1/2}}}$
and,
$\frac{A(t)}{A_0}=\frac{1}{64}$ for $t=30$ days [given]
$∴\frac{1}{64}=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{30}{T_{1/2}}}$
$⇒\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^6=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{30}{T_{1/2}}}$
$⇒6=\frac{30}{T_{1/2}}$
$⇒T_{1/2}=5\,days$