Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope that is widely utilized in nuclear medicine as a -ray source. It is formed through a neutron capture reaction with cobalt-59 and is a ß emitter; ß emission is associated with intense radiation. If Co-60 has a half-life of 5.27 years: a. How long will it take for the Co-60 source to be reduced to one-eighth of its initial concentration? b. What percentage of the Co-60 source will remain after three years (rounded to two decimal places)?

Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
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Chapter25: Nuclear Chemistry
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Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope that is widely utilized in nuclear medicine as a -ray source. It is formed through a neutron capture reaction with cobalt-59 and is a ß emitter; ß emission is associated with intense radiation. If Co-60 has a half-life of 5.27 years:

a. How long will it take for the Co-60 source to be reduced to one-eighth of its initial concentration?

b. What percentage of the Co-60 source will remain after three years (rounded to two decimal places)?

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