What is the half-life of a radioactive element if its activity decreases 4 times in 8 days?

To find the half-life of the specified radioactive element, we apply the formula: N = N0 * 2-t / T and N / N0 = 2-t / T.

Variable values: N / N0 – decrease in the activity of the specified element (N / N0 = 1/4); t – elapsed time (t = 8 days).

Let’s calculate: 1/4 = 2-8 / T.

2-2 = 2-8 / T.

-2 = -8 / T.

T = 8/2 = 4 days.

Answer: The half-life of this radioactive element is 4 days.



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