The half-life of a radioactive substance is 30 minutes. The time (in minutes) taken between 40% decay and 85% decay of the same radioactive substance is
- 15
- 30
- 45
- 60
Answer
(4) 60
Solution
After 40% decay, the amount left is N1 = 0.60 N0; after 85% decay, the amount left is N2 = 0.15 N0.
N1N2 = 0.600.15 = 4 = 22
The time between the two stages = 2 half-lives
= 2 30 = 60 minutes
Answer: (4)