Strontium-90 is a waste product from nuclear reactors. As a consequence of fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests, we all have a measurable amount of strontium-90 in our bones. Solve, a. The half-life of strontium-90 is 28 years, meaning that after 28 years a given amount of the substance will have decayed to half the original amount. Find the exponential decay model for strontium-90. b. Suppose that a nuclear accident occurs and releases 60 grams of strontium-90 into the atmosphere. How long will it take for strontium-90 to decay to a level of 10 grams?

Principles of Modern Chemistry
8th Edition
ISBN:9781305079113
Author:David W. Oxtoby, H. Pat Gillis, Laurie J. Butler
Publisher:David W. Oxtoby, H. Pat Gillis, Laurie J. Butler
Chapter19: Nuclear Chemistry
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 55AP
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Strontium-90 is a waste product from nuclear reactors. As a consequence of fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests, we all have a measurable amount of strontium-90 in our bones. Solve,

a. The half-life of strontium-90 is 28 years, meaning that after 28 years a given amount of the substance will have decayed to half the original amount. Find the exponential decay model for strontium-90.

b. Suppose that a nuclear accident occurs and releases 60 grams of strontium-90 into the atmosphere. How long will it take for strontium-90 to decay to a level of 10 grams?

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