A radioactive isotope of potassium decays to produce argon. If the ratio of argon to potassium is 7:1, how many half-lives have occurred? A. 1 half-life B. 3 half-lives C. 7 half-Lives D. 8 half-lives
Geography · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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- The ratio of argon to potassium in a radioactive decay process helps determine the number of half-lives that have occurred.
- Given that the ratio of argon to potassium is 7:1, for every 7 atoms of argon, there was initially 1 atom of potassium that decayed.
- Since each half-life reduces the amount of the original substance by half, 7:1 corresponds to 23:1, which means three half-lives have occurred to yield the ratio of 7:1.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. 3 half-lives.