Physics
Physics
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781260486919
Author: GIAMBATTISTA
Publisher: MCG
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Question
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Chapter 29, Problem 41P

(a)

To determine

The decay constant for 14C.

(a)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 41P

The decay constant for 14C is 3.83×1012 s1.

Explanation of Solution

The activity of 14C in a living sample is 0.25 Bq/g of carbon. The half-life of  14C is 5730 yr

Write the formula for half-life

T1/2=τln2                                                                                           (I)

Here, T1/2 is the half-life and τ is the time constant.

Write the formula for the decay constant

λ=1τ                                                                                                  (II)

Here, λ is the decay constant

Conclusion:

Substitute equation (I) in (II) and rewrite to find the λ

λ=ln2T1/2

Substitute 5730 yr for T1/2 in the above relation to find the value of λ. [Note: 1yr=3.156×107 s

λ=ln25730 yr×3.156×107 s/yrλ=3.83×1012 s1

Thus, the decay constant for 14C is 3.83×1012 s1.

(b)

To determine

Calculate the number of 14C atoms in 1.00 g of carbon.

(b)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 41P

The number of 14C atoms in 1.00 g of carbon is 6.5×1010 atoms.

Explanation of Solution

One mole of carbon atom has 12.011 g and the relative abundance of 14C is 1.3×1012. The Avogadro number NA=6.022×1023 atoms/mol.

The number of 14C atoms in 1.00 g of carbon is the total number of nuclei in 1.00 g of carbon times the relative abundance of 14C.

N=massmass per mol×NA×relative abundance

Substitute 6.022×1023 atoms/mol for NA, 1.3×1012 for the relative abundance, 1.00 g for the mass and 12.011 g/mol for mass per mol.

N=1.00 g12.011 g/mol×6.022×1023 atoms/mol×1.3×1012N=6.5×1010 atoms

Thus, the number of 14C atoms in 1.00 g of carbon is 6.5×1010 atoms.

(c)

To determine

The activity of 14C per gram of carbon in a living sample.

(c)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 41P

The activity of 14C per gram of carbon in a living sample is 0.25 Bq/g.

Explanation of Solution

Write the formula for the activity

R=λN                                                                                            (III)

Here,λ is the decay constant and N is the number of nuclei after time t.

Conclusion:

Substitute 3.83×1012 s1 for λ and 6.5×1010 atoms for N in equation (III) to find the value of R

R=3.83×1012 s1×6.5×1010 atomsR=0.25 Bq

Divide by 1.00 g on both sides to find the value of activity per gram

R1.00 g=0.25 Bq1.00 gR1.00 g=0.25 Bq/g

Thus, the activity of 14C per gram of carbon in a living sample is 0.25 Bq/g.

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Chapter 29 Solutions

Physics

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