Na-25 is a radioactive isotope of sodium - Leaving Cert Physics - Question d - 2005
Question d
Na-25 is a radioactive isotope of sodium. It has a half life of 1 minute.
What is meant by radioactivity?
Name a detector of radioactivity.
Explain the term hal... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Na-25 is a radioactive isotope of sodium - Leaving Cert Physics - Question d - 2005
Step 1
What is meant by radioactivity?
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Answer
Radioactivity refers to the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This decay can occur in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, resulting in the transformation of the original atom into a different element or isotope.
Step 2
Name a detector of radioactivity.
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Answer
One common detector of radioactivity is the Geiger-Muller tube. This device detects ionizing radiation, such as alpha and beta particles, and is widely used in laboratories and for environmental monitoring.
Step 3
Explain the term half life.
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Answer
The term 'half-life' is defined as the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the original amount of the substance will remain. This is a critical concept in understanding the stability and duration of radioactive isotopes.
Step 4
What fraction of a sample of Na-25 remains after 3 minutes?
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Answer
Given that the half-life of Na-25 is 1 minute, after 3 minutes, there would be 3 half-lives. Therefore, the fraction remaining is calculated as follows:
ext{Fraction Remaining} = rac{1}{2^3} = rac{1}{8}
Thus, 1/8 of the original sample of Na-25 remains after 3 minutes.
Step 5
Give one use of a radioactive isotope.
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Radioactive isotopes, such as C-14, are commonly used in medical applications, including cancer treatment to target and destroy malignant cells. They can also be utilized in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient artifacts.
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