# Problem: Iodine is absorbed by the thyroid. Iodine-131 is radioactive, emitting both gamma rays and beta particles (electrons), so it can be used diagnostically image the thyroid and therapeutically for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. The radioactive decay of iodine-131 follows first-order kinetics with a half-life of 8.02 days. a. What is the rate constant for the decay of iodine-131?   b. Assuming an initial dose of 1.0 x 10 -6 g of iodine-131 absorbed by the thyroid, how much would be left after two weeks?

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Iodine is absorbed by the thyroid. Iodine-131 is radioactive, emitting both gamma rays and beta particles (electrons), so it can be used diagnostically image the thyroid and therapeutically for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. The radioactive decay of iodine-131 follows first-order kinetics with a half-life of 8.02 days.

a. What is the rate constant for the decay of iodine-131?

b. Assuming an initial dose of 1.0 x 10 -6 g of iodine-131 absorbed by the thyroid, how much would be left after two weeks?