Question

32P is an unstable isotope of phosphorus that has a half-life ($t^{1/2}$) of 14.29 days. Atoms of 32P undergo beta decay, in which a neutron decays into a proton and electron. (a) Describe the mass number and atomic number of the element that results. (b) How long would a sample containing 32P take to decay to 1/32 of the radioactivity?

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer to your question is below

Explanation:

Data

³²P half-life = 14.29 days

beta decay

a) Element that results

        ³²₁₅P   ⇒   ³²₁₆S + e⁻     Mass number = 32   Atomic number = 16

b)             Amount of P                Number of half-lives    

                      1                                          0

                      1/2                                       1

                      1/4                                      2

                      1/8                                      4

                      1/16                                     5

                      1/32                                    6

After six half-lives there will be 1/32 of the original amount

                              6 x 14.29 = 85.74 days