The parent nuclide has a half-life of and begins with an initial sample of

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics

Problem

The parent nuclide

Q

has a half-life of

4.5\,\text{d}

and begins with an initial sample of

Q_0

. Researchers wish to wait until fewer than

3\%

of the original

Q

remains so that radiation from its daughter products dominates the signal. Approximately how long should they wait? (a)

18\,\text{d}

(b)

9.0\,\text{d}

(c)

27\,\text{d}

(d)

22.5\,\text{d}