5) Cesium 137 is a radioactive element that was released into the Atmosphere during the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in 1986. The half-life of Cesium 137 is 30 years. If 27 kg. were released into the Atmosphere in 1986, then how much will remain in 2030.

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**Cesium 137 Half-Life Calculation**

Cesium 137 is a radioactive element that was released into the atmosphere during the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in 1986. The half-life of Cesium 137 is 30 years. If 27 kg were released into the atmosphere in 1986, then how much will remain in 2030?

To calculate the remaining amount of Cesium 137 in 2030, we use the concept of half-life, which is the time it takes for half of a given amount of a radioactive substance to decay.

1. **Determine the Time Passed**: 
   - From 1986 to 2030, a total of 44 years have passed.

2. **Calculate the Number of Half-Lives**:
   - Divide the number of years by the half-life of Cesium 137.
   - 44 years / 30 years per half-life ≈ 1.47 half-lives.

3. **Calculate Remaining Quantity**:
   - Use the formula: Remaining amount = Initial amount × (1/2)^(number of half-lives).
   - Remaining amount = 27 kg × (1/2)^1.47 ≈ 27 kg × 0.352 ≈ 9.504 kg.

Thus, approximately 9.504 kg of Cesium 137 would remain in 2030.
Transcribed Image Text:**Cesium 137 Half-Life Calculation** Cesium 137 is a radioactive element that was released into the atmosphere during the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in 1986. The half-life of Cesium 137 is 30 years. If 27 kg were released into the atmosphere in 1986, then how much will remain in 2030? To calculate the remaining amount of Cesium 137 in 2030, we use the concept of half-life, which is the time it takes for half of a given amount of a radioactive substance to decay. 1. **Determine the Time Passed**: - From 1986 to 2030, a total of 44 years have passed. 2. **Calculate the Number of Half-Lives**: - Divide the number of years by the half-life of Cesium 137. - 44 years / 30 years per half-life ≈ 1.47 half-lives. 3. **Calculate Remaining Quantity**: - Use the formula: Remaining amount = Initial amount × (1/2)^(number of half-lives). - Remaining amount = 27 kg × (1/2)^1.47 ≈ 27 kg × 0.352 ≈ 9.504 kg. Thus, approximately 9.504 kg of Cesium 137 would remain in 2030.
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