Chemistry Hesi A2 Related

Review Chemistry Hesi A2 related questions and content

A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?

  • A. 8
  • B. 6
  • C. 3
  • D. 1.5
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.