The decay constants of two isotopes are given below
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · US High School · Chemistry · Atomic Structure & Nuclear · Atomic Structure & Nuclear
Problem
The decay constants of two isotopes are given below.
Isotope A: λA=3.0×10−4s−1
Isotope B: λB=6.0×10−5s−1
Which statement about their relative stability is most accurate?
(a) Because t1/2∝λ, isotope A’s half-life is roughly five times that of isotope B, so isotope A is more stable.
(b) Isotope B has the longer half-life and is therefore more stable than isotope A.
(c) Isotope A has the longer half-life and is therefore more stable than isotope B.
(d) Half-life depends on the initial quantity present, so the stabilities of the two isotopes cannot be compared with the information given.