Samarium-153, a radioactive isotope with a half-life of approximately 48 hours, is used to treat cancers lodged in the bone. (a) How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does samarium-153 contain? (b) Write a balanced nuclear equation for the emission of a β particle from samarium-153. (c) If a vial with an activity of 150 mCi is purchased, what is the activity of the solution after eight days?

Modern Physics
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Chapter13: Nuclear Structure
Section: Chapter Questions
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Samarium-153, a radioactive isotope with a half-life of approximately 48 hours, is used
to treat cancers lodged in the bone. (a) How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does
samarium-153 contain? (b) Write a balanced nuclear equation for the emission of a β particle
from samarium-153. (c) If a vial with an activity of 150 mCi is purchased, what is the activity of
the solution after eight days?

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