College

Approximately how long does it take a sample of francium-223 to decay by 50%?

A. 80 minutes
B. 20 minutes
C. 40 minutes
D. 100 minutes

Answer :

To determine how long it takes for a sample of francium-223 to decay by 50%, we need to understand its half-life. The half-life of a substance is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how to find the answer:

1. Graph Interpretation: We have a visual graph or data points showing how the sample's quantity decreases over time.

2. Understanding the Half-Life: Francium-223 is a radioactive element, and its decay typically follows an exponential pattern. The question asks for how long it takes for half of the sample to decay, which is essentially asking for its half-life.

3. Estimate Decay Time: The provided data indicates that at some point, the original amount of francium-223 reduces to 50%. From the options given (80 minutes, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 100 minutes), we assess the most likely candidate for this time period.

4. Solution: Based on the information and understanding of decay patterns, we determine that the half-life (or time required for the sample to decay by 50%) is approximately 20 minutes.

Therefore, the answer is:

B. 20 minutes

This means it approximately takes 20 minutes for half of a sample of francium-223 to decay.