Question

An unknown radioactive element decays with a half life of 5.125 days. What is the decay constant for the element? Express your answer in 1/day.

Answer 1

Given

Half life is t=5.125 days

To find

The decay constant

Explanation

The decay constant is given by

$\begin{gathered} \lambda=\frac{0.693}{t} \\ \Rightarrow\lambda=\frac{0.693}{5.125} \\ \Rightarrow\lambda=0.135 \end{gathered}$

Conclusion

The decay constant is 0.135 /day