In an experiment on the transport of nutrients in a plant’s root structure, two radioactive nuclides X and Y are used. Initially, the ratio of the number of nuclei of type X present to that of type Y is r1. After a time interval Δt, the ratio of the number of nuclei of type X present to that of type Y is r2. Isotope Y has a half-life of TY. What is the half-life of isotope X?

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
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Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
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Chapter30: Nuclear Physics
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In an experiment on the transport of nutrients in a plant’s root structure, two radioactive nuclides X and Y are used. Initially, the ratio of the number of nuclei of type X present to that of type Y is r1. After a time interval Δt, the ratio of the number of nuclei of type X present to that of type Y is r2. Isotope Y has a half-life of TY. What is the half-life of isotope X?

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