Problem: Americium-241 is used in smoke detectors. It has a first order rate constant for radioactive decay of k = 1.6 10–3 yr–1. By contrast, iodine-125, which is used to test for thyroid functioning, has a rate constant for radioactive decay of k = 0.011 day–1.What is the half-life of iodine-125?
🤓 Based on our data, we think this question is relevant for Professor Oppenheim's class at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
FREE Expert Solution
Recall that half-life is the time needed for the amount of a reactant to decrease by 50% or one-half.
The half-life of a first-order reaction is given by:
where:
t1/2 = half-life
k = decay constant
Problem Details
Americium-241 is used in smoke detectors. It has a first order rate constant for radioactive decay of k = 1.6 10–3 yr–1. By contrast, iodine-125, which is used to test for thyroid functioning, has a rate constant for radioactive decay of k = 0.011 day–1.
What is the half-life of iodine-125?
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Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the First Order Half Life concept. You can view video lessons to learn First Order Half Life. Or if you need more First Order Half Life practice, you can also practice First Order Half Life practice problems.
What professor is this problem relevant for?
Based on our data, we think this problem is relevant for Professor Oppenheim's class at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.