Jump to content

Struggling with Radioactive Decay Series!

fastjerk
in Homework Help

Featured Replies

Hi everyone, I've been working on this problem for a few hours and am finally looking to get some help.unsure.png

 

Considering the decay chain for U-238. For an initial activity of 1 Bq, how many Bq of U-234 exist at 10,000 years?

 

I know (U-238 -> Th-234 -> Pa-234 -> U-234)

 

 

NTh234 = (KU238/KTh234-KU238) * N0U238 (e^(-KU238*t)-e^(-KTh234*t) + N0Th234e^(-KTh234*T)

 

 

NPa234 = (KTh234/KPa234 * KTh234) * N0Th234 (e^(-KTh234*t) - e^(-KPa234*t)) + N0Pa234*e^(-KPa234*T)

 

 

NU234 = (KPa234/KU234-KPa234)*N0Pa234(e^(-KPa234*T) - e^(-KU234*t)) + N0U234e^(-KU234*t)

 

 

K = Decay Constant

 

T = time (10,000 years)

 

I have the half life, and decay constant, but I'm not sure about the N0 term.

Help please :)

 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.